When Jhonathan C. arrived in the United States as a refugee from Colombia in 2017, he set out to build a new future for his family. Using his expertise as a woodcraft artisan, he started JC Furniture Designs, a woodworking business he built in 2021.
From the start, HIAS Economic Advancement Fund (EAF) was there. A $10,000 startup loan helped JC Furniture Designs get off the ground. A $20,000 expansion loan in 2025 helped
him go even farther — launching a second business focused on maintenance and repair services, diversifying his income and building toward long-term stability.
But the road wasn’t without hardship. As a single father of four running two businesses, he has navigated significant challenges, including the impact of two major hurricanes that disrupted operations. With timely financial support, he steadied his footing and kept moving forward.
Looking ahead, Jhonathan has his eyes set on growing his team and taking on larger projects. His ultimate goal is to be able to step back daily operations and focus on building a sustainable business with strong systems in place.
“I was born to be an entrepreneur,” he says. “I enjoy working for myself and for my family. Having my own business is the best way to take care of them. It is what I know and what I love.”
