Jorge Rodriguez, a naturalized American citizen born in Mexico, is living the American Dream. He started out 25 years ago as a short-order cook in a Brooklyn neighborhood restaurant. When an opportunity arose to go into business for himself, his employer helped him establish a small Mexican takeout restaurant. After he made a success of that establishment, Rodriguez wanted to develop a second Mexican restaurant. In 2006, he identified a commercial/residential building in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn that would make a good site. He planned to open a restaurant in the first-floor commercial space, and rent the second floor to generate a positive cash flow. But his application for a home mortgage was rejected because of tax liens on his business.

In February 2007, he reconnected with the SBDC at Boricua College for permit assistance and credit counseling. SBDC Business Advisor Miriam Colon worked with city, state and federal tax compliance agencies. She was able to rectify the tax issues and forwarded proof of the disposition of liens to credit reporting agencies and mortgage bankers. She helped Rodriguez satisfy the requirements for a NYS Liquor Authority license. The total project cost was over $766,000 and included a home mortgage loan that enabled him to purchase the commercial property and develop the space. Named for his wife, Zeferiana, Zefe’s Mexican Restaurant opened in May 2007, creating five jobs. Says Rodriguez, “I am grateful to the SBDC and Miriam Colon for their prompt help and expertise in resolving many business-related problems.”