Alaskan Dog Treat Bakery Provides Jobs for Youth, Backed by Native CDFI
Client: Daisy Nicolas, owner of Drool Central: A Mum and Pup Barkery
Client Location: Anchorage, AK
CDFI: Cook Inlet Lending Center, Inc.
CDFI Service Area: Alaska
Small business financing
This National Native American Heritage Month, OFN spotlights the incredible work of Cook Inlet Lending Center, Inc. (CILC), a Native CDFI empowering entrepreneurs like Daisy Nicolas in Alaska. As a social enterprise of Cook Inlet Housing Authority, CILC was created to address the pressing need for affordable housing and financing in the Cook Inlet Region. Since its founding in 2001, and certification as a Native CDFI in 2007, CILC has expanded its mission to include financing small businesses that enrich communities and build economic opportunity.
CILC’s support made it possible for Daisy to grow Drool Central: A Mum and Pup Barkery from her love for her aging dog, Dallas. What started as a passion project is now a full-time venture crafting healthy, delicious dog treats.
When demand outpaced what Daisy could handle alone, she forged a partnership with the Anchorage School District. Today, Daisy provides meaningful job opportunities to youth with learning disabilities, equipping them with skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose—all while keeping tails wagging across Alaska.
“Thank you to CILC for giving me the opportunity to finally realize a big part of my vision….that of building a small start-up brick & mortar. This is a new phase in my business milestones, a brick-and-mortar that will generate more local sales and improve my production. My loyal local customers can get access to my products during the off-market season, and my Loyal Droolers will not terribly miss their special weekly trips for free samples.”
Daisy Nicolas
Learn more about Daisy and Drool Central in the video below.
Learn more about CILC’s impact in this video from their 2020 Native CDFI Catalyst Award.
