My name is Nicole Schnell, and I am the proud owner of Schnell Construction Incorporated. We are a small company that offers excavation services of any size, aggregate hauling, snow removal, landscaping, lot clearing, shoreline stabilization, septic tank installation as well various skid steer work. We started our business in May 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and it was a challenge due to having to do everything online, and not meet with people in person.

We first heard about First Peoples Economic Growth Fund from a relative. The process of applying for financing was daunting at first, facing a lot of paperwork, but with so much help and friendly assistance it was made much easier. Help was always a quick phone call away.

If we did not have the financing from FPEGF we would not be able to offer the services we currently do, and we would not be as successful. We were able to buy the equipment to meet our customers needs and expand the services we can now offer. Our business is having a very successful year and we are happy with our growth.

Recently, we were able to thank our customers by offering a weekend of skid steer services for free. We donate prizes annually to the community and run the annual kids beach games, donating food and prizes as well and our time. It feels amazing to give back a small part to the community that has helped our business grow.

We would apply for financing from FPEGF in the future. The COVID-19 Contingency Fund was a huge help financially during the pandemic. We owe so much of our success to FPEGF. The financing from FPEGF has enabled us to grow and meet our customers needs in a competitive market during challenging times. We are grateful and humbled by the help that we have received, and the support has touched our hearts and been our backbone.

The staff and FPEGF are so kind and knowledgeable. FPEGF has given us our dignity in asking for help when we needed it. We are so proud of our accomplishments thus far and are excited for the future.