Founded in 2019 by Mallory Gott in Las Vegas, NV, G+A is a full-service experiential design firm specializing in interior architecture and design. Their clientele spans hotels, nightlife venues, bars, restaurants, and global brands.
In the initial years of operation, G+A thrived. Then, in 2022, Mallory and her husband encountered an incredible, yet somewhat unexpected opportunity.
They entered a contest where participants submitted ideas for a new restaurant concept, and they won. The grand prize? Full funding to support the buildout of their restaurant.
Refinancing high interest debt
Met with the opportunity of a lifetime, Mallory and her husband began working on their restaurant. To sustain G+A’s growth trajectory, Mallory secured a line of credit loan for working capital.
Yet the loan came with high interest rates and a short repayment term. As Mallory began to repay the loan, she discovered that her monthly payments were unmanageable for G+A.
Mallory approached several traditional lenders in search of capital to refinance this high interest debt but was unable to secure financing. However, during a workshop at the Nevada Small Business Development Center, Mallory discovered Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) as a potential resource.
An alternative option for small business financing
“I started working with the CRF team and explained the situation,” Mallory said. “CRF took the time to provide guidance and had me look at my business plan in a way that I hadn’t done for a while, which was very helpful.”
In working with CRF, Mallory secured an SBA 7(a) loan used to refinance her high interest debt and for working capital.
“In going through the process of refinancing with CRF, it relieved me of some of the fear I had with other lenders because I knew I could pick up the phone and call them to ask questions and talk through concerns,” Mallory said.
“I feel like there’s a banking relationship and a partnership that’s not so intimidating.”
Realizing a new entrepreneurial dream
With renewed financial stability, G+A could forge ahead. By the end of 2023, Mallory and her husband celebrated the grand opening of Winne & Ethel’s Downtown Diner – a homage to the 1940s era, offering upscale comfort food in a historic Las Vegas locale.
And after dedicating years to bringing clients’ visions to fruition through G+A, Mallory finally had the chance to realize her own dream with Winnie & Ethel’s, personally overseeing all design aspects.
