SBA Success Stories

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Tap-In Entertainment

Working with a team that acutely understands the ins and outs of both the SBA and needs of a new business owner is vital in securing funding. Fidelity Bank was patient with us and helped us understand where we were in every phase of the process.

- Miller Safrit

Tap-In Entertainment

Tap-In Entertainment is a premier entertainment venue that blends cutting-edge indoor golf simulation with a full-service bar and kitchen, creating a dynamic environment for both leisure and social connection. It is a unique destination where guests can enjoy elevated dining, craft beverages, and immersive golf experiences – all under one roof. The facility features a 600-foot putting green designed to encourage casual play and interaction, making it an ideal setting for gatherings of all kinds.

Owner Miller Safrit came up with this business idea in 2020, when he realized many people craved an expansive, engaging setting for fun and socialization.

In the process of opening this business, Miller did rigorous research on various methods of securing financing, and ultimately landed on pursuing an SBA loan – something that wasn’t typically seen in his community. Miller found that the SBA seemed to have the right tools for his new business and the most flexible methods of acquiring funds. He filled out a form with the SBA and five banks reached out – but Jeremy White and Fidelity Bank rose to the top from the very beginning.

Miller recalls working with Jeremy, “Right from the start, Jeremy was very frank, open, and candid. Throughout the entire process, he was patient with us, and he helped us understand where we were in every phase of the process.” Miller continues, “The most important thing for any business owner is to understand your numbers, your product, and your plan. We came to Jeremy with all this information, and he knew exactly what to do. He has a great perspective for new businesses, and he was always available to answer questions.”

For Miller, working with a team that acutely understands the ins and outs of both the SBA and needs of a new business owner proved to be vital in securing funding. If your business or a business owner you know is ready to grow and needs funding, now’s the time to take the next step. Reach out to the team at Fidelity Bank SBA Lending to learn more about the SBA loan program.

Miller Safrit

Tap-In Entertainment

- Miller Safrit

Tap-In Entertainment

Owner Miller Safrit came up with this business idea in 2020, when he realized many people craved an expansive, engaging setting for fun and socialization.

Miller Safrit

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

I have never seen anybody go the extra mile to the extent they did to help get the loan accomplished. They were not only guiding and helpful, but they also took a lot of ownership in closing the loan and meeting the timeline. It was a great experience.

- Mohit Kishore

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a trusted brand in casual dining with over four hundred locations nationwide. Mohit Kishore is a franchisee based in North Carolina, who sought an SBA Loan in pursuit of opening his fourth Potbelly Sandwich Shop location.

Mohit has been in the restaurant business his entire life, starting with flipping burgers as a teenager. In the process of opening his fourth Potbelly Sandwich location, Mohit sought funding for expansion through the SBA loan program, after being referred to Fidelity Bank by a connection in the restaurant industry. The main aspect of the SBA loan program that was most appealing to Mohit was the longer term length of the loan. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments – a crucial method of maintaining cash flow for other restaurant expenses.

He was connected with Michael Goddard, Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer at Fidelity Bank SBA Lending. Mohit reflected on working with Michael and the Fidelity Bank team, “I have never seen anybody go the extra mile to the extent they did to help get the loan accomplished. They were not only guiding and helpful, but they also took a lot of ownership in closing the loan and meeting the timeline.”

Mohit continued, “It was a great experience working with Michael and his team. I have closed six loans in my life, and this by far was the best loan experience ever! Michael is always available, he always explained the terms of the loan and answered any questions I had – he really set the tone from the beginning.”

If your business, or a business you know, could benefit from additional capital, now may be the ideal time to explore SBA financing options. Access to the right funding can be a pivotal step toward long-term growth and success, as was the case for Mohit and his new Potbelly Sandwich Shop location. Contact the team at Fidelity Bank SBA Lending to learn more about how SBA financing solutions can support turning goals into reality.

Mohit Kishore

R2R Critical

Thanks to Fidelity Bank’s guidance, the SBA 7(a) loan program made my business acquisition accessible and sustainable. Fidelity Bank was completely professional and kind. Communication was excellent and they were always available to pick up the phone.

- Kei Flores

R2R Critical

At Fidelity Bank SBA Lending, we pride ourselves on helping entrepreneurs take the leap into business ownership – and that’s exactly what happened with Kei Flores, business owner of R2R Critical. When Kei approached us about acquiring the fleet-based freight company, we immediately saw the potential. R2R Critical operates ten trucks under contract with a nationally-recognized shipping company, ensuring a steady stream of business and growth opportunity. With the SBA 7(a) loan program, we were able to structure financing that made the acquisition both accessible and sustainable.

The extended loan terms gave the business room to breathe while it ramped up operations and settled into new ownership. Instead of facing heavy monthly payments right out of the gate, Kei could focus on team development, truck maintenance, and building relationships.

Kei originally worked with a different bank, but they were not meeting desired timelines and did not provide effective communication. Following this experience, she was introduced to Fidelity Bank and Michael Byers through a referral. In contrast, Kei noted that the whole team at Fidelity Bank was “completely professional and kind. Communication was excellent and they were always available to pick up the phone.” Today, R2R Critical is thriving under its new leadership.

For Fidelity Bank, seeing a new owner step into a critical sector like freight and logistics with confidence and support represents exactly why we’re passionate about SBA lending and fueling long-term success.

SBA loans aren’t just limited to business acquisitions. From commercial real estate to partner buyouts to funding expansion – if you or someone you know is planning their next big business move, now’s the time to explore the possibilities. Let’s talk about how SBA lending can help turn your vision into lasting success.

Kei Flores

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