Heather McCartney, first time loan recipient
Ethnic Edibles, Bronx NY
www.ethnicedibles.com

Heather McCartney found a delicious way to share her fascination with the tribal arts of Africa: Ethnic Edibles, a company that produces cookies and cookie-making kits based on traditional African (and now Puerto Rican and Cuban) shapes and symbols. With no business experience, she doubted she'd get a traditional bank loan. Fortunately, she found Count Me In's website and received a $5,000 loan for packaging and marketing. With a growing distribution base and a flurry of media attention Heather has built what the New York Post calls "a flourishing business and a way of sharing her culture."

Sherry Shefts, first time loan recipient
Beastly Bakes, Bellevue, WA
www.beastlybakes.com

After her wedding cake showed up wrong - Sherry knew that there was a need for someone who could really fulfill a bride's wishes. She knew she could do it - she had studied art while growing up. To Sherry, a cake is not just a cake - it's a sculpture.

So, this mother of two started making cakes - not just for her family and friends - but for the Seattle Mariners, local celebrities, sports figures, large events, parties, anniversaries... and the list goes on.

They told her she was crazy, "No business can survive just selling cakes." So she introduced cookies and bars aka Beastly Bakes.

Sherry's loan from Count Me In built her website, purchased equipment, supplies and ingredients. Currently, Beastly Bakes has two corporate gift accounts an appointment with a major grocery store chain in Seattle and appointments with several Espresso bars.

Sherry can't get over her feeling of empowerment since opening her business and says she owes it all to Count Me In.