Borrow TimeLeave me a loan, financial fitness training, cool and collected.

Norma Teran saw a need in Fresno County, California, for anemployment agency that specialized in part-time and temporarydental personnel. After preparing a business plan, she determinedshe'd have to borrow $5,000 to finance her venture.

With business plan in hand, Teran visited the Valley SmallBusiness Development Corp. in Fresno. "Getting a microloan wasa snap," says the veteran dental assistant. "They helpedme complete the paperwork that day, and 45 days later, I had themoney." Teran bought furniture, supplies, a computer andsoftware, using the balance of the loan for operating capital andmarketing expenses. Today, she's celebrating the firstanniversary of Dental Team Coordinator, serving Fresno and Kingscounties from her home office in Sanger, California.