Chronic Tacos

Starting a business takes patience. Kris and Angel Scott, the new owners of a Chronic Tacos franchise in Salem, Oregon, know that firsthand.

After deciding to pursue opening a Chronic Tacos franchise, the Scotts eventually secured a loan, signed a lease, and began construction. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and everything screeched to a halt.

The Scotts connected with the Chemeketa SBDC to address their challenge of waiting for their lender to fulfill the commitment on their loan and worked with the Center and the Network’s Capital Access Team to assess their situation, brainstorm solutions, and chart a new course.

Though it took several months of waiting and exploring various avenues and possibilities, with the help of the SBDC, the Scotts were able to find funding through a new lender and take advantage of support from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Business Oregon’s Commercial Rent Relief program, and worked with their initial contractor to recommence construction when their loan closed.

“We felt heard and valued by [our advisers] throughout our whole engagement with them,” the Scotts reflected. “The plan was very effective, and the Chemeketa Small Business Development Center team provided great follow-up in the weeks following the call, providing us with extremely helpful small business resources.”