City Of Chicago Address: August 04, 2010 Remarks of Mayor Richard M. Daley

Mayor’s Press Office 312.744.3334

We know there is high demand for small business loans, but in these tough economic times, traditional lenders are not adequately serving this market, especially for women and minority-owned firms. Given the importance of neighborhood small businesses to our economic prosperity, I have invited two successful small business people to join us today. They both received assistance through the City’s Small Business Solution Station, a program designed to provide entrepreneurs with free one-on-one business counseling. They reflect what can be accomplished by our city’s entrepreneurs when they work with the City to get their businesses off the ground or grow them.

First, Gulia Ismailova obtained a $5,000 small business loan which helped her open a Dog Grooming business. She used the money to purchase equipment and inventory to get her business open. Gulia also took advantage of the City’s free business educational workshops to help her start the business and prepare for the inspection. And, on Wednesday, July 7th, she officially opened the doors to Furtastik, Grooming Daycare & More, located on North Ashland Avenue.