Selfless. Dedicated. Motivated.
There are few people in this world who possess not one, but all three qualities listed above. Luckily for small business owners, Griselda Rendon is one of those people.
A supportive wife, and proud mother of three active children, Griselda also works for the Center for Rural Affairs as a Latino loan specialist. She spends much of her time going from soccer games to gymnastics practice to show choir competitions, all after putting in a full day helping entrepreneurs make their dreams come true.
Griselda provides technical and financial assistance to people looking to start a business or grow their existing business. She trains business owners one-on-one, as well as in group settings, about obtaining microloans, permits, licenses, Employer Identification Numbers, and insurance. And, she makes sure they’re aware of all the free resources available to them.
“I was drawn to the Center because of their mission and vision of assisting those in rural Nebraska, and especially the minority, who always seem to be left out,” she said. “The Center is excellent, it helps others become successful while instilling a sense of pride in who they are and where they came from.”
Griselda’s work with minorities is incredibly rewarding and meaningful to her for personal reasons, too. After coming to the United States from Mexico at a very young age, she feels a strong connection to those she assists through her work.
“I live and have lived in rural areas,” said Griselda. “I came from a very rural area in Mexico where it is still a challenge to have internet access. In the U.S., I have seen that people in rural America are very hardworking people, and they need to be supported in what they do.”
For four years, Griselda has enjoyed her role with the Center, assisting small business owners, but her experience goes far beyond that. She credits her background in insurance, banking, and working with different ethnic groups as a tremendous help.
“From meeting with clients who need technical assistance to creating and packaging loans, I rely on my education and experience all the time,” she said. “I get to help people by making them aware of all the possible ups and downs of being a business owner, while also being there for them, and seeing them give it all they have without quitting. I have the privilege of guiding others to the resources that will make their dream a reality.”
Griselda is very passionate about the work she does, so much so that she’s striving to make the Center for Rural Affairs’ small business program a more well-known program in the area.
“I want people to know that we can help them succeed, and for them to trust the Center,” she said. “I’m so grateful to work for such a wonderful organization. I am very proud to say that I work for the Center for Rural Affairs, and I believe we can make a difference in rural America.”
Griselda serves central and southeast Nebraska, including Hastings, Crete, Lexington, Imperial, Gibbon, and Grand Island, where she and her family also make their home.
She can be reached at 308.850.4820 or griseldar@cfra.org.
