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Entrepreneurs on the Rise: Stories of Resilience

Introduction: Unexpected Journeys into Entrepreneurship

A few years ago, if you had asked Katey Foor whether she would ever open a restaurant, you would have likely received a hearty laugh in response. Despite her extensive background in food service, the notion of becoming an entrepreneur seemed far from her vision for the future. However, as fate would have it, late in 2024, Foor launched Katey’s Café, a charming establishment that proudly serves breakfast and lunch from the Centier Bank Building in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne.

Image: Katey Foor, owner of Katey’s Café, preps breakfast items.

The Orchard Dream: Blanca Rosa’s New Path

In a similar vein, Blanca Rosa did not envision herself as an entrepreneur in her childhood dreams; her aspirations leaned more toward becoming a therapist or teacher. However, after marrying into her husband’s family and becoming enamored with their orchard, Rosa took a leap of faith and established Ambrosia Orchard in 2018. This decision marked a pivotal turn in her life, transforming her passion for the land into a thriving small business.

Grayce Holloway: A Personal Journey of Healing Through Business

For Grayce Holloway, the road to entrepreneurship took an intensely personal turn. Years ago, after experiencing a heartbreaking pregnancy loss, Holloway turned to baking and cake decorating to cope with her grief. This unexpected therapy led her to create Icing for Izaac—a business that honors her lost son and has been operational since March 2019.

“Baking became my sanctuary,” she shares. “It was my outlet during a time when I didn’t want to be consumed by sadness.”

Image: Owner and founder Grayce Holloway holds the frosted animal cookie cheesecake at Icing for Izaac.

Shared Challenges in a Tough Economic Landscape

While Katey, Blanca, and Grayce each took different paths into their respective businesses, they find themselves navigating similar hurdles amid challenging economic conditions. A recent study authored by two professors from Purdue Fort Wayne highlights the rising prices and stagnant wages in Fort Wayne, factors that contribute to the increasing number of restaurant closures. With residents facing decreasing disposable income for dining and entertainment, these entrepreneurs have had to be particularly resourceful.

Finding Support: Brightpoint’s Vital Role

As these small business owners confront the pressures of the food and hospitality sectors, Brightpoint’s small business lending programs have proven to be an invaluable resource. Serving northeast Indiana, the Brightpoint Development Fund functions as a U.S. Department of Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), providing essential support and relief to entrepreneurs grappling with the evolving economic landscape.

The fund offers various lending options tailored for small business owners, particularly those who may struggle to gain approval from traditional financial institutions. Brightpoint assists applicants through the often-daunting loan process while offering clarity on business terms, encouragement, and accountability throughout the application journey.

Ongoing Assistance and Guidance

Once an applicant is granted a loan, specific conditions often accompany that support—such as annual financial disclosures and recognizing existing challenges. This approach fosters a supportive community and a foundation for long-term relationships that can help entrepreneurs grow sustainably.

Image: Courtesy – Matt Crouch, Vice President of Community Economic Development of Brightpoint.

The Community Focus of Brightpoint

Matt Crouch, Vice President of Community Economic Development at Brightpoint, emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in his role. "Small businesses serve as a community’s backbone," he states. "They’re more than just places to shop; they create shared memories and bring purpose to everyday life."

With the support from Brightpoint, enterprises like Katey’s Café, Ambrosia Orchard, and Icing for Izaac are not just surviving but thriving, offering spaces where memorable experiences can flourish.

A Case Study: Ambrosia Orchard’s Growth with Brightpoint

Rosa’s Ambrosia Orchard realized the necessity for additional cold storage to accommodate increased harvests. Turning to Brightpoint for financial assistance, she found their support uplifting. “They guided me through the process,” she recalls.

The new storage facilities allowed Ambrosia to enhance the production of cider and mead. Following a record apple harvest in 2025, the orchard managed to store an impressive 3,000 pounds of apples, paving the way for future cider production without worry over spoilage.

Building Sustainable Relationships for Future Challenges

In the spirit of fostering continual growth, Brightpoint does not limit its support to lending; they also prioritize ongoing engagement. Derrick DeBruce, a borrower engagement coordinator at Brightpoint, emphasizes the significance of understanding each business’s unique needs. By maintaining personal contact, he helps identify potential issues before they escalate into larger setbacks.

“If you’re starting to struggle, reach out,” DeBruce advises. “We’re here to help.”

Case Example: Katey’s Café’s Financial Guidance

For Foor, the guidance from Brightpoint proved transformative. Before launching her café, she attended multiple consulting sessions focused on the intricacies of running a restaurant. Thanks to Brightpoint, she gained invaluable insights into calculating financial projections, drafting effective business plans, and staffing management.

“If I hadn’t received their help and the expertise of Brightpoint’s partners, I’m not sure I would have survived the café’s first year,” Foor admits.

Image: Katey’s Café offers grab-and-go options for a quick lunch or snack break.

Navigating Economic Challenges: The Importance of Adaptation

Ongoing reviews of financial statements and regular consultations with the Indiana Small Business Development Center have unveiled new strategies for Foor. For instance, she’s found opportunities to adjust her menu pricing to manage increasing costs effectively, as well as adapting to changes in customer behavior by initiating online ordering.

Similarly, after securing a business loan for Icing for Izaac’s physical location, Holloway also benefited from ongoing financial advice, including guidance in resolving sales tax challenges her previous accountant overlooked.

Reflections on Community Support and Personal Growth

For Holloway, collaborating with Brightpoint symbolizes a profound journey. Years prior, she had sought assistance from the organization for childcare support and food stamps. Now, she is reaping the rewards of that same organization’s expertise in guiding her business.

"Walking into Brightpoint with my husband and our five children to secure that small business loan was an incredible full-circle moment," she reflects.

Image: Owner Grayce Holloway talks with guests while holding daughter Mia, 1.5, at Icing for Izaac.

Conclusion: The Collective Spirit of Resilience

At a time when rising costs and diminishing consumer spending strike fear into the hearts of small business owners, the entrepreneurial spirit of these three women shines brightly. Their responses to economic pressures not only reveal their individual ingenuity but also demonstrate the critical importance of collaboration within the community.

Through Brightpoint’s support—encompassing financing, expert advice, and relationship-building—these entrepreneurs are not merely persevering; they are thriving and creating legacies that enrich their community. Together, they embody the resilience and creativity required to succeed in today’s economic landscape.

This story is made possible by Brightpoint.

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