During this challenging period, it can often feel like “Life is Cancelled.” Weddings, fundraisers, and birthday parties are a few of the events that have suffered. At this point, the plans for high school and college graduations remain mostly unknown.

So, what is a company to do when their lifeblood is events? 185 Promotions and Apparel, a woman-owned business in Carmel, Indiana has not let all the cancellations stop them from doing what they do best. Their work revolves around helping large and small companies, schools, and nonprofit organizations maximize their branding and promotions. Their products include logo wear and premium swag items for organizations to share with their customers, clients, fans, employees, and students.

Since Indiana had its first case of COVID-19 in Early March, Kelly Anderson, Owner and Director of Possibilities for 185 Promotions & Apparel, has had to switch gears drastically, like so many small business owners. With the major slowdown in her incoming business and orders, Anderson and her husband Brent thought they might even need to furlough their small staff. That was until they learned about government aid for payroll and expenses through the Small Business Administration, known as the Paycheck Protection Program.

185 Promotions & Apparel submitted one of the many applications received by Elements for PPP Loans. According to Scott Meyer, Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending, the credit union was able “to compile, verify, and get all of our member applications approved prior to the first wave of government funding expiring.”

“I cannot say enough good things about working with the entire Elements team on our PPP Loan,” Anderson said about her experience. “I heard horror stories about large SBA lenders from my friends with small businesses, but the communication from Elements just blew me away and really put my mind at ease about the entire process. We’re moving all our personal accounts to Elements now, too.”

Another Small Business Owner Says “Thank You”

Hi Scott,

I wanted to drop you a note and let you know the PPP loan money was deposited into our business account yesterday. I can’t express the degree to which this is letting me breathe a little easier. Being a relatively new business that is just starting to become profitable, this could have meant many furloughs and possibly temporary closure. This would have hurt many people, from our employees to our families. I appreciate your help more than you’ll know. There are still more challenges to come before we get to the other side of this, but PPP loan funds provide a huge sense of relief.

Thank you!

Tana Patel

Goddard School Indianapolis North