Samuel & Lucas Food Trucks Company is a multi-faceted food business that provides catering and event services through its pop-up food truck, while fostering a network of talented food entrepreneurs by providing access to affordable kitchen space and technological resources. Formed by Zhijian Li (100% owner) in August of 2019, the company is a minority and woman-owned business. The subject business is located in Scotts Valley, California and is building a reputation as a “small business for small businesses” as it possesses two major revenue streams consisting of catering/events and kitchen rental. Catering/Events provides the first revenue stream which provides mobile catering services for variety of events out of its kitchen located in, Campbell, CA. Its catering services span across a variety of occasions including community events, wedding and workplace conferences, private parties, trucks on campus, and more. Its second revenue stream is a leased space for a dining arrangement. The Borrower’s mission in this branch of the business is to provide wrap-around support and connections to the food community to grow their enterprises.
This has proven to be a successful endeavor that truly displays a strong partnership between the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development and NDC Small Business Lending Team. This transaction has allowed Samuel & Lucas Food Trucks Company to secure permanent working capital to continue its growth by securing $50,000 permanent working capital through the Santa Cruz Emergency Loan Program in December 2022 and additional $150,000 via SBA7a program in January 2023.
“Thank you NDC. After being referred to you by the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Team, I applied for a small business loan. I could not have imagined the extraordinary level of service I and my business would receive; I am still amazed. You worked with such attention to the details and went through a long process with such ease and the wisdom and confidence that comes from successful experience. You brought that to us, and it made all the difference. NDC’s funding will help us take our company to a new level and create additional jobs in the community that we cherish. Just as importantly, your support was and will be some of our greatest encouragement in the work we do. Thank you so much again for all that you did to make your success help create ours, too.” – Team LeiLei and Roddy