Your JP UP Date: JP Recognized by SBA Administrator Guzman

Andrew Barnes The JP UP date

SBA Administrator Recognizes JP as Microloan Lender and CA Lender of the Year

Number 221                           May 5, 2023                                   St. Louis

This Tuesday, May 2nd, Justine PETERSEN had the honor of being awarded Microloan Lender and Community Advantage (CA) Lender of the Year by Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Guzman (pictured, center seated). Taking place during the SBA’s National Small Business Week, the luncheon presentation was hosted at Norwood Hills Country Club and attended by JP’s senior leadership team Rob Boyle (CEO), Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez (COO), Shawna Collier (Chief Partnerships Officer), and Aida Richardson (Chief Lending Officer), as well as team members Tatiana Gillum (Asset Building Manager), Marcus Bolden (Business Assistance Manager), and LaTrisha Gandy (Asset Building Counselor). Additionally, two of JP’s small business clients attended: Deborah James of Freddie Lee’s Gourmet Sauces and Shanta Donaldson of Lumpy Mash Potato. Also recognized were Michael McMillan from the Urban League of St. Louis, Bishop Jones of Friendly Temple, and Ramon Gallardo of Casa Gallardo restaurant.

The luncheon was also a special moment for SBA St. Louis District Director Maureen Brinkley (pictured, right-most seated), who has given 55 years of service so far to the SBA. Starting at a young age with the SBA, Maureen talked about how she has loved every moment of serving with them since, stating “I’m able to minister the community through my role.” JP is most proud to call Maureen a friend of our organization, and excited to continue our partnership with her while she continues to lead the SBA’s efforts in St. Louis. JP CEO Rob Boyle said of the afternoon “this was a particularly special moment for Justine PETERSEN, as our partnership with the the SBA has made countless dreams come to realization for our clients across the St. Louis community. Being able to share in this alongside Maureen, who has been with us every step of the way, makes this all the more indelible. We’re incredibly grateful to Administrator Guzman for making the time to be here in St. Louis so we could showcase the amazing things small business owners are doing in our community.”

Below are additional pictures from the event captured by Administrator Guzman and her team.

Support JP This Give STL Day

This week, Tuesday, May 10th will be Give STL Day! Each year, Give STL Day looks to optimize charitable giving for St. Louis Area nonprofits. Justine PETERSEN is looking forward to taking part in the event, and would be most humbled for your support. Donations to JP from the day will go toward supporting a variety of services we offer our clients, including credit building counseling, technical assistance for small business owners, and housing counseling, among others.  To learn more about where your contribution goes, contact JP’s Resource Development Associate Andrew Barnes at abarnes@justinepetersen.org.

JP Team in the Community

Justine PETERSEN’s teams are keeping active! Last week, Housing Manager Randen Click (picture left) attended the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’ Office of Housing Counseling’s Pathway to Homeownership event, hosted on Harris-Stowe State University’s campus. As a HUD certified counselor, Randen was able to provide in-person guidance and resources to first-time and prospective homebuyers in the St. Louis Metro Area. This comes ahead of three more big events coming up that we ask all to join in with us at:

  • The Annie Malone May Day Parade on Sunday, May 21st in Downtown St. Louis, beginning at 1pm. Proceeds from this celebration – the second largest African American parade in the country – directly support Annie Malone’s programs such as parenting advocacy and education programs, K-12 school, and 24-hour crisis center
  • Delmar Main Street’s Juneteenth Festival on June 17th, celebrating the revitalization of businesses in the Delmar corridor
  • The Second Annual Black Homeownership Caravan on Saturday, 24th; formal announcement with details to come

Join the JP BAT Team’s May Virtual Events

Even though the end of the school year is looming, it’s always the right time to continue learning. Our Business Assistance Team (BAT) has several events taking place during May that will help build your knowledge base as a small business owner.

  • Benefits for Your Business

Thursday, May 11th | Noon, CST
This session will provide information from insurance industry veteran, Bart Springer, on how small businesses can access and provide necessary benefits to protect their company and team. Register here.

  • Small Business Legal Clinic

Thursday, May 17th | 4pm, CST
During this time small business leaders have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with corporate legal professionals from Emerson in seeking their guidance regarding employees, partnerships, and policies. To sign up, contact Justine PETERSEN Business Associate Assistant, Yolanda Nelson at ynelson@justinepetersen.org

Happy Birthday, Ivo!

Earlier this week we broke out the party hats to recognize the birthday of our fearless Compliance Manager, Ivo Vukomanovic! Ivo does an amazing job of leading our compliance team to facilitate closing an average of 40 loans per week. We hope he can celebrate by seeing the St. Louis City SC rebound from last week with a win tomorrow.

Mortgage Assistance for Illinois Homeowners

As a HUD certified counseling agency, Justine PETERSEN is here to support. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about mortgage assistance and the application process to contact us by emailing JPHomeTeam@justinepetersen.org. More information can also be found here.