Satisfying a craving from your favorite restaurant likely involves a drive, a parking spot, a table and a server.
But an innovative new franchise, GoWaiter of Waldorf, hopes to streamline that process, bringing food directly to customers’ homes from restaurants that do not ordinarily offer their own delivery service.
GoWaiter of Waldorf in Charles County is now slated for expansion thanks to a $100,000 State-sponsored loan to Bell Enterprises, LLC. The loan was made possible through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development‘s (DBED) Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA) and Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program (MPVSBLP), DBED announced on Tuesday.
Kristen Bell founded GoWaiter of Waldorf in 2012 and is owner, president and CEO of Bell Enterprises, LLC. Her husband, Christopher Bell, is Bell Enterprises’ chief information officer.
The husband and wife team trace their work history back to the United States Air Force. Kristen Bell served 11 years of active duty and is now a service-disabled veteran who works as an intelligence analyst. Christopher Bell is also a veteran who works as an information systems security manager.
According to Kristen Bell, the $100,000 loan will open up new opportunities for their young Maryland business.
“These programs are very valuable assets to small businesses owners, especially veterans, and could mean the difference between a company expanding or not staying in business,” Bell said in a statement.
“Oftentimes as a veteran, you may not have the money to start up or expand a business. This money will help us reach a larger customer base, as well as potentially grow in Maryland,” she said.
DBED Secretary Dominick Murray praised the loan program and its potential to assist entrepreneurial veterans.
“DBED was pleased to assist this promising veteran-owned company with their expansion in Southern Maryland,” Secretary Murray said in a statement.
“Maryland has an outstanding climate for entrepreneurs, including programs and resources that help propel a company from early stage to high growth. We look forward to working with more companies like GoWaiter of Waldorf to ensure their success and continued growth in our State,” he said.
Maryland DBED and the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs offer a variety of programs to assist Maryland military veterans. Find additional information on their websites and a link to DBED’s full loan announcement here.
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