"Every person I worked with at CEF was so kind and communicative. They explained everything so patiently and with their help, I was able to pay off all of the credit cards I had used to make my initial purchases and investments on the truck."
– Valeri Meyers, Owner of Meyers Munchies

Q&A with Owner, Valeri Meyerss

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
Meyers Munchies is a mobile food cart providing hand held snacks and homemade comfort foods, as well as event catering and custom cakes in the Denver metro area.

How did the idea for your business come about?
I had been a teacher for many years. I've always had side jobs that revolved around feeding people, so I took a huge leap and left my career to pursue the food truck!

What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location?
I work throughout the Denver metro area, at many different breweries, festivals and other events. I'm a Denver native, so I love serving and working with my community!

Describe your journey in seeking out funding for your business. Ie, where did you first go to for funding, did you lean on credit cards, etc?
I used my credit cards for all of the initial business needs-purchasing my truck, all the supplies, fees for licensing, etc. I wanted to find a loan that could consolidate those cards and give me a chance to focus on building my business with integrity.

How did you find out about CEF?
I have been blessed to work with many great community organizations, including Mi Casa Resource Center and the SBA. They directed me to CEF for assistance with my business.

What was your experience like in working with CEF?
Every person I worked with was so kind and communicative. They explained everything so patiently. The process was slow- going, especially coming out of the influx they had of Covid-related loans, but they assured me the whole time that everything was going to work out. And it did!

What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?
I was able to pay off all of the credit cards I had used to make my initial purchases and investments in the truck. I was able to set aside some to get through the slow winter months and pay my household bills.

What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process?
Do your research on the field you're venturing into. Make strong community connections with experts and really listen to their advice. Don't let a bad day get you down-this is a roller coaster ride, but it's worth it!

What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business?
The spring/summer months bring so many fun events that love a good food truck, and my calendar is already filling up. Festivals, concerts, weddings, graduations...I love it!

What do you love about the small business community in Colorado?
Everyone is so supportive and uplifting of one another. There isn't a cut-throat sense of competition...if one succeeds, we can all succeed. Fellow food-truckers have been amazing to me and it's really been inspiring!