“With the loan from CEF, we were able to purchase the company we were wanting to obtain and had enough that we were also able to pay a year of insurances and obtain an office space and furniture.”
– Joanna Durafourt, Owner

Q&A with Owner, Joanna Durafourt

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
I am a mobile laboratory service, I perform blood work at your home, office, gym, even parking lot in the car. I do blood draws for all kits that your dr may order for you and also regular blood work that the dr may want to get at the lab. I am also set up to do therapeutic phlebotomy that is when your tells you that your iron levels are too high and you need to donate blood. You can also order your own labs through us. We do not have a doctor that you can talk to about the labs, but we do have many options for you to pick from, call, and set up appointments with that have self pay options.

What inspired you to step into the world of small business?
To advance my career and make a difference in peoples lives we strive on the motto that we are here for the busy lifestyle and mobility impaired. Working in the lab and not getting the satisfaction of making a difference so I took the leap and bought the business.

How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry?
I have been a phlebotomist for 20 years and my husband who also helps with the business has been in healthcare for 30 years. Making a difference and helping people out to make their lives easier.

How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund?
When trying to find a loan to purchase the business. My bank suggested Colorado Enterprise Fund as I may have better luck and not have many dings on my credit as my bank was not able to fund a smaller loan that I needed.

What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?
We were able to purchase the company we were wanting to obtain and had enough that we were also able to pay a year of insurances and obtain an office space and furniture.

What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process?
Do your research on companies that offer small business loans and don't give up as there is a great company out there to help and understands and when you feel frustration or that you are being ignored by companies they are there to listen.

What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business?
My business was found by a national foundation and was asked to work at their convention and my company name and personal name was put out there and everyday I get new clients.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
CEF has been a great asset to helping me to be successful and obtain something that I never dreamed would be possible in my lifetime.