Sarah L. Hebert, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), is pursuing her entrepreneurial dream of building a successful accounting practice in Youngsville, Louisiana. Specializing in tax preparation, financial planning, and accounting services, Sarah offers subscription-based services to her clients, ranging from $500 to $1,200 per month.
With support from the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU), she has taken steps toward her goals, fueled by determination and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“I just always knew I wanted to, honestly. We had our own restaurant, and I was the bookkeeper, and I went back to college specifically to do this. I just always knew that I wanted to have my own business. I always was an entrepreneur at heart.”
— Sarah L. Hebert
Sarah’s journey began with her first loan from CU, which marked her initial attempt at launching her business.
“My first loan was my first go at my own business, which I did not end up making it,” Sarah said. “I wasn’t prepared. Didn’t know what I needed to do. So, I ended up going back to work for someone to finish the year. And then I came back like in 18 months and started again.”
Rather than seeing her first attempt as a failure, Sarah treated it as a learning experience. She used the time to refine her approach, save money, and prepare more thoroughly.
“The first loan was my first attempt, but I was not going to quit,” she said.
Her second loan provided the funding she needed to restart her business, with a focus on essentials like accounting software.
On December 18, 2024, Sarah closed on her third loan with CU, this time for working capital to purchase 2025 tax software. The funds, made possible through the Small Business Administration (SBA) program, will help her prepare for the upcoming tax season and position her business for growth.
Sarah credits CU Economic Development Loan Officer Candence Brooks with making the loan process seamless.
“Candence is phenomenal,” Sarah said. “On this particular loan, she had it approved within the week, like within days. And it was Christmas. She got it done quickly. She wanted to get it through for me before the year was over. She’s super-fast to respond, and she has been super helpful.”
This support has been instrumental in helping Sarah move her business forward, providing the financial stability needed to expand operations, improve efficiency, and increase profitability. By securing this funding, Sarah is not only able to cover immediate costs but also invest in long-term growth strategies that will make her business more self-reliant.
“I don’t think I would have been eligible anywhere else. I feel like Communities Unlimited, I would recommend them to people because they are able to help small businesses that are just launching that don’t really have any other avenues.”
— Sarah L. Hebert
One of Sarah’s key lessons was learning to adapt her business model to align with her resources and goals. In her first attempt, she leased office space and established a physical presence, which she later realized wasn’t necessary.
“There was a lot of people that were working virtually, and I realized I don’t need an office building,” she said. “I could just start at home, and I can work from there.”
Now in her second year of business under a revised model, Sarah feels more optimistic about the future.
“I definitely feel super prepared. I feel confident that I know exactly what I need this year going forward. And I know that I have the support that I need to do what I need to do this year. I’m really expecting this to be a much better year than last year. I feel like the support to just launch it is all that I needed.”
— Sarah L. Hebert
