The number of women-owned businesses has increased exponentially in the last 20 years, and many of them have been helped by small business loans and training that supports the unique needs of women. Aleia Shipman’s story is a great example of the passionate women who gain assistance and loans from lenders such as LiftFund and other nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to start businesses and provide for their families.

In 2016, Shipman knew she needed to make a change, not only for herself but for her three children. She had been working in sales at a chemical company for 10 years helping the owner grow the business despite the resistance to her creative ideas and solutions. Shipman turned her frustration into opportunity and decided to branch out on her own. That’s when she founded 3G Chemical Solutions, LLC.

3G Chemical Solutions prides itself on being an environmentally friendly chemical company by offering biodegradable products including concrete cleaners, degreasers, deodorizers and more.

Shipman originally ran the business inside her apartment, but she outgrew the space quickly and moved to an office space. Sales picked up even more and she found herself with a good problem — her demand had surpassed the room she had in which to create supplies.

The nonprofit CDFI LiftFund helped Shipman secure an $11,000 microloan to expand her company with a warehouse and office space lease to grow her business from several locations.

“I am proud that I stepped out there and did it even though this is a male-dominated industry and I’m a minority female—I stuck to my [goals],” said Shipman.

Shipman has made a point to find time to give back to her community, and she often participates in speaking engagements for students and women aspiring to enter the sales industry.

LiftFund offers opportunities to diverse small business owners and entrepreneurs across 13 states; 83 percent of its clients are minorities, 38 percent are women, 10 percent are veteran entrepreneurs and 63 percent have been in business for less than 5 years.  In addition to offering online support services and loan products, LiftFund also has several Women’s Business Center locations in the Southwest.

Learn more about LiftFund and start your loan application here.