How to launch a local business: A Mountain BizWorks success story

Photo courtesy of Mountain BizWorks

By Mountain BizWorks

Kudzai Mabunda is a native of Zimbabwe who has dedicated her career to providing assisted living and social services to her community. Several years ago, Kudzai noticed a growing trend in her field — “family care homes,” which provide elderly or disabled Medicaid beneficiaries with living facilities in a home environment. After starting one family care home in 2007 in Hendersonville, demand was so high that in 2010 she purchased another home to turn into a second facility, Topic Family Home Care.

Kudzai received a loan from Mountain BizWorks for expansion into the building’s lower level, adding space for new residents. Today she has three full-time employees, one part-time employee, and accommodations for 10 residents, who enjoy around-the-clock care in a comfortable home environment. Kudzai also ensures that her residents learn independent living skills; three of her residents have been discharged to live independently.

“The loan process was fast and easy,” Kudzai says. “Mountain BizWorks believed in what I do and gave me a chance to borrow for my business.”

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