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What began as a passion for making food for friends and neighbors has led to Maria and Sabino Hernandez operating their own successful business.
When Maria started making and selling tamales from home, the couple was able to save money to buy their food truck in June 2014. Maria’s experience working in the restaurant industry blossomed into a full-time labor of love for the owners of Corn Taco Mexican Food LLC, in Schuyler, Nebraska.
To expand their business, Sabino and Maria reached out to the Center for Rural Affairs for financial assistance and received their first loan in 2014. The Center helped them get two more loans in 2016 and 2021, both of which they used to buy real estate. Staff also helped them apply for Nebraska Microenterprise Tax Credits.
Their most recent loan helped the couple remodel a brick-and-mortar location, which is set to open soon.
“We are done with the updates in the building, though we still need to buy some equipment,” Maria said. “We have applied for another loan with the Center so we can finish up with the help of that loan.”
Jessica Cabán, loan specialist with the Center, worked with Maria and Sabino on their loan applications. In addition, they got business startup training from the Center and one-on-one counseling in business financing and capital sources, business operations and management, and tax planning.
The couple has shown their gratitude by recommending the Center’s services to fellow entrepreneurs, as well as hosting Center staff and partners on food-based business tours.
“For over a decade, they have poured their hearts into building a thriving business—one where they get to do what they love most: serving their customers delicious, homemade meals,” Jessica said.
Because of their dedication to growing their small business, Maria and Sabino have been chosen to receive the Center’s 2024 Entrepreneur Award.
The award recognizes entrepreneurs who have received Center services and achieved success in business while demonstrating the values of innovation, community leadership, and social responsibility.
“We are happy to receive this award, and it's something that motivates us to keep on going even when things have slowed down,” Maria said. “We are grateful for those that chose us to receive this award.”
The Center has been honored to support the couple along their journey, Jessica said.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is listening to my clients’ stories—their journeys, motivations, and grand visions for the future,” she said. “Sabino and Maria exemplify the resilience and dedication that define so many small business owners. Their generosity and willingness to give back have been just as inspiring. Whether it's hosting us and our supporters to share their journey or lending their story as a testament to perseverance, they have always said yes.”
Maria and Sabino look forward to seeing their business evolve as time and resources allow.
“We would like to continue to establish ourselves as a business, as our business is relatively small and we would like to grow it more,” Maria said. “We want to take the next step. We are not sure of all of the details yet, but we have the willingness and eagerness to grow.”
Sabino and Maria were presented with the Entrepreneur Award on Sept. 22.
