SBA loan assists in the art of the deal.

Grace Chen was born in Taipei, Taiwan and came to the states 14 years ago to attend the University of Texas, Arlington. Upon graduation she worked in systems analysis for several years. Not finding the field of computer systems fulfilling, she tried teaching. Her culture-filled lesson plans allowed her the creative license to fuel the artistic appreciation of her kindergarten class. Their affinity for creativity and sponge-like absorption of language, music and art took hold of Grace's spirit and kindled within her a passion for art that still burns bright today.

Grace furthered her enthusiasm for art as the manager of a well established Los Angeles area art production company. She excelled in this capacity and learned, not only the operations end of the business but also the nuance of dealing with the individual artists. Despite her dramatic advancement, Grace still remained dissatisfied. Her creative side yearned for something more. She needed to give life to her artistic vision. So in October 2001, Grace Chen opened her own art publishing company and named it Grace Fine Art Productions.

Demand for her art works grew rapidly and Grace was soon faced with the bane of many a small business that experiences rapid growth--to get to the next phase of her proposed business plan, she needed funds. Grace contacted the SBA and was assigned an SBA approved intermediary to assist her in accessing capital. By working with the intermediary Grace quickly became well prepared for the loan process. As a result, Bank of America provided Grace with the necessary funds through an SBA guaranteed loan and her business was given the fuel to take off.

Today, Grace runs GFA Productions with a consistent energy level and maintains the principles on which the company was founded: industriousness, enthusiasm, and faith.

She has assembled a varied and talented collection of international artists. As a result Grace Fine Art can offer standard size reproductions and prints that possess the same properties of museum quality oil paintings. The price for these works of art can range from $325 to $1,200 and are sought after by hotels, restaurants, corporations, art galleries, and private collectors.

Los Angeles SBA District Director, Alberto Alvarado recently praised Grace Chen for her entrepreneurial spirit. "She displayed such an energetic persistence in staying the course and in her tenacity with respect to accessing the necessary capital to actualize her dreams. Seeing Grace Chen's success is what makes working for small business so worthwhile."