Overview
For Elaine and Richard, retirement was never about slowing down. After forty years of careers, raising a family, and saving carefully, they wanted something more than a rocking chair or a golf course. They wanted a new chapter—a chance to finally live out the dream they had quietly tended for decades.
Their passion had always been gardening. Over the years, their backyard transformed into a miniature Eden—rows of heirloom tomatoes, bright perennials, and a greenhouse filled with cuttings and rare plants. Neighbors stopped by for advice, friends asked for clippings, and soon the hobby had become something more: a small community market stand where Elaine and Richard sold plants and fresh herbs.
One afternoon, while standing in their crowded backyard greenhouse, Richard said what they had both been thinking for years: “If not now, when?”
They didn’t want to gamble on speculation or overextend themselves. But with a paid-off home, a small piece of land they had inherited years ago, and decades of built-up equipment, they had assets that could anchor a modest business. What they needed was help turning a beloved hobby into a small, thriving nursery.
The 5 Cs in Action
Character – A Lifetime of Integrity
Elaine and Richard weren’t new to responsibility. They had built their lives on reliability—steady careers, decades in the same community, and a reputation for honesty that neighbors and local garden clubs readily vouched for. Lenders could see their commitment wasn’t just financial—it was personal.
Capacity – From Hobbyists to Small Business Owners
For years, their “side hustle” had already proven demand. Their market stand regularly sold out, and they had a growing list of local families waiting for plants, soil, and consultations. With a little structure, the hobby had the capacity to support a real business.
Capital – Modest but Meaningful
Elaine and Richard committed $15,000 from their retirement savings toward greenhouse improvements, irrigation, and nursery tools. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was exactly what was needed to take their hobby to the next level.
Collateral – Assets Built Over a Lifetime
Between their debt-free home, the land for the nursery, and equipment they had already acquired, the couple brought plenty of hard assets to the table. These weren’t speculative promises—they were tangible, insurable foundations lenders could count on.
Conditions – A Market Ready to Bloom
Sustainable gardening and “grow-your-own” movements were on the rise. Young families moving into the area were eager for workshops, starter plants, and advice. Willow & Bloom was perfectly positioned to meet this demand.
The Breakthrough
Traditional banks hesitated. On paper, retirees with fixed incomes didn’t fit the mold of new business owners. But CADDA looked at what Elaine and Richard did have: a lifetime of character, meaningful assets, and a proven local following.
Through CADDA’s Revolving Loan Fund, they secured a $30,000 SBA Microloan—enough to expand without straining their savings. With that financing, they built larger greenhouses, stocked their nursery with fresh inventory, and hired seasonal help for peak planting months.
The Results
Within a year, Willow & Bloom became more than a backyard passion:
- The nursery turned into a weekend destination for locals and visitors.
- Elaine began hosting gardening workshops, teaching younger generations the skills she had honed for decades.
- Richard managed the greenhouses and enjoyed chatting with customers about soil, tractors, and tomato varieties.
- Their loan repayments stayed on track, comfortably supported by steady sales.
Most importantly, they found retirement wasn’t about winding down—it was about growing something new.
Why It Matters
Willow & Bloom shows that retirement can be more than a finish line—it can be the start of a dream. With assets built over a lifetime, a modest investment, and an SBA-backed loan, retirees can turn hobbies into thriving small businesses. It’s a way to stay active, create income, and leave behind more than memories: a legacy rooted in passion and purpose.