From a Creative Spark to a Community Anchor: How an SBA 504 Loan helped Benzie Design, a craft business, put down permanent roots in Plainfield, IL.
Renae Bradley is the owner of Benzie Design, a specialty craft store focused on wool textiles, felt, roving, and embroidery supplies. She grew up in a small town in northwest Iowa before earning a degree in Graphic Design and relocating to Illinois in her early twenties. It was there that she discovered both a passion for wool felt and a significant gap in the market. With limited access to quality wool felt supplies, she saw an opportunity and created one. That vision led to the launch of Benzie Design, a business built on creativity, accessibility, and craftsmanship. Sixteen years later, Renae continues to inspire makers across the country while staying deeply rooted in the community she calls home.
Choosing Entrepreneurship on Her Own Terms
Although she grew up in a family that owned a business, entrepreneurship was not initially part of the plan. Instead, the motivation came from a desire for flexibility and a family-friendly work schedule combined with a passion that couldn’t be ignored. By carving her own path in the craft industry, she built a company that reflects both her creative spirit and her values.
A Turning Point: Purchasing a First Commercial Space
After years of success, owning a building became a major milestone and a strategic next step for the business. Purchasing and renovating a commercial property, however, brought both expected and unexpected costs. That’s where Growth Corp’s SBA 504 Loan Program made the difference. By utilizing SBA 504 financing, Renae was able to purchase, renovate, and move the company into its first commercial space with significantly reduced financial pressure compared to a traditional loan. The long-term, fixed-rate structure of the 504 loan provided the flexibility and stability needed to focus on renovations, operations, and long-term business goals rather than cash flow strain.
A Supportive, Straightforward Loan Experience
Throughout the process, Growth Corp worked closely with Renae to guide her through each step of the loan process from application to approval to closing. During what she described as a “crazy season” of purchasing and renovating a building, Growth Corp provided clarity, patience, and consistent communication. Questions were answered promptly, explanations were repeated when needed, and the entire process felt supportive rather than overwhelming. When approval came, it brought a sense of relief and confidence that the business was ready for its next chapter.
Impact Beyond the Business
The move into a permanent location has already created ripple effects throughout the community. By purchasing and revitalizing an older space, Benzie Designs brought new life to a building and strengthened local connections. The new location has become a home for the business, and a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.
A Culture of Craft, Kindness, and Collaboration
Among her proudest accomplishments is not just the longevity of the business, but the culture behind it. After 16 years, Renae has built a team rooted in hard work, kindness, and mutual support. Employees are viewed not simply as staff, but as a team that genuinely cares for one another and the customers they serve.
And the most satisfying moment of all came when she got the keys to the new building. Renae explained, “It was a tangible symbol of years of dedication, creativity, and growth made possible through SBA 504 financing.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Renae’s advice to aspiring business owners is both practical and insightful: “It’s not only important to hire for company culture, but it is vital to hire those with skill sets that differ from yours.”
Social @benziedesign (Facebook and Instagram).
Website www.benziedesign.com