Woman-Owned Small Business Wins SBA Award

SBA 504 financing sparks ongoing growth and success

Michelle McLeod, owner of Southwest Boulder & Stone in north San Diego County, was recognized May 4 by the Small Business Administration as the Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year.

Michelle McLeod, owner of Southwest Boulder & Stone, displays her SBA award with Merri Adams, commercial loan officer with CDC Small Business Finance

McLeod was recognized for the prolific growth of her company which last year bought a building for its sixth retail location with the help of a low-interest-rate SBA 504 loan designed for commercial real estate purchases. CDC Small Business Finance, a not-for-profit headquartered in San Diego provided the financing for McLeod.

The SBA acknowledged McLeod’s entrepreneurism, for capitalizing on the rising cost of water in Southern California and offering xeriscape solutions.

“With rolling lawns disappearing in most neighborhoods, we seized the opportunity to expand our landscape rock and stone business as homeowners install yards that need less water,” said McLeod, whose business employs over 100 people and anticipates adding 10 more jobs in the next year.

Reflecting on her decision to make the SBA 504 loan commitment, McLeod added: “We believed in ourselves, as did our employees and CDC Small Business Finance.”

Merri Adams, the CDC loan expert who assisted McLeod with her loan, said: “Michelle’s a great example of an entrepreneur who recognized the benefit of SBA financing. We’re proud to have been part of her successful journey.”