Minority-Owned Business Next to Receive Microloan in Pasco County

April 22, 2012

Rosie Paulsen, an Ecuadorian who came to the United States in 1988, is the next microloan recipient from Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. Overwhelmed when she received the check, she said, “I really am living the American Dream!” Rocio “Rosie” Paulsen is the owner of Good Faith Insurance Services which educates retirees on their Medicare choices and benefits. She has been serving the Medicare population and the Wesley Chapel community since 2005, and her business is on the move. To keep up with the growing demand of services, the company needs to hire at least one additional full-time staff member. Rosie is an energetic, all-smiles entrepreneur with a can-do attitude. She wants Pasco County to grow, and she wants Hispanic business owners in Pasco County to succeed. In December 2009, she founded the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is also a founding member and community liaison of “La Liga Latina” a group of Hispanic professionals that educates the community.

Grinning from ear to ear Rosie said, “I am so happy because this will allow me to hire the full-time help that we need. I am also proud to be the first Hispanic- and woman-owned business to receive a microloan from Pasco EDC.” Rosie noted that she especially appreciated the free technical assistance and training from the USF Small Business Development Center. “This is what it is all about. Helping passionate small business owners and entrepreneurs with solid ideas, good management skills and a valid business plan, who simply can’t get traditional financing,” said John Hagen, Pasco EDC President/CEO. “We want these businesses to grow, hire more people, and continue expanding here in Pasco County.” Pasco EDC is urging companies who need help obtaining non-traditional financing and are headquartered in Pasco County, or planning to locate in Pasco County, to consider applying for a microloan. Borrowers must show they have the experience and resources to be successful business operators. Proceeds may be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment but not to purchase real estate or to refinance existing debt. Please visit www.pascoedc.com for more information on how to apply, or call the Pasco EDC at 813-926-0827 to consider donating to the fund. For more information on Good Faith Insurance Services contact Rosie Paulsen at 813-345-4331 (5854 Argerian Dr., Suite 101, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545)