Cool J’s Apparel

Minority-owned business, Startup Business, Woman-owned business

Microlender:

Justine PETERSEN

Impact:

Served a retail need for women in an underserved, rural-adjacent area.

Location:

Springfield, IL

Loan Amount:

n/a

Cool J’s Apparel is a woman and minority-owned business that held its grand opening of its bricks and mortar store on May 28, 2020 and had gotten started a year previously through online sales. Owner Toni Hopkins created this business after understanding a need for a women’s apparel store in the local Springfield community. Her goal is to provide quality, affordable apparel that makes women feel and look beautiful.

Cool J’s caters to all women, but the business’s primary focus is on women who live in areas where there are not many retail options. With a professional background in finance and sales, Ms. Hopkins has been in the apparel field for more than 15 years.

Toni obtained a Community Advantage loan in 2020 from Justine PETERSEN for working capital to establish the lease and cover all required start-up operating costs and inventory for equipment and furnishings. Working capital funds were also used for marketing and advertising.

Visit Cool J’s Apparel