North Valley BusinessSource Center Helps Floral Business Survive Pandemic
Robert Alhanati, a 3rd generation florist, has been working in the flower industry since the 1960s. In 2007, he decided to purchase the flower shop right across from the San Fernando Mission Catholic Cemetery, known as Tomlinson Flowers. The flower shop has been around since the 1960s.
Tomlinson Flowers faced uncharted territory at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and closed its doors for about a month to implement the COVID-19 Guidelines and Protocols for Florists. Robert felt that the pandemic not only “pushed him off a financial cliff,” but also put a “burden on his shoulders” because in addition to worrying about rent and accounts receivables, he was also worried about not being able to continue to keep his employee’s healthcare benefits active.
In March 2020, he began looking into the City of LA’s Small Business Emergency Microloan Program but faced challenges during the application process. Robert reached out to the North Valley BusinessSource Center for assistance with completing the Emergency Microloan application.
“I am grateful to Maria. She’s one of my angels! When I was pushed off the financial cliff, I didn’t know how I was going to pay my employees. As I started looking for loan programs, the first one I saw was the Microloan. The process was daunting! Searching through the website, I saw contact info for Maria Luviano at the North Valley BusinessSource Center. She responded to me right away and understood my problem. She has helped me from then on. She’s a blessing!”
With assistance from the North Valley BusinessSource Center, Robert qualified for the Microloan and received the funding in June 2020, which the City of LA converted into a Recovery Grant at the end of 2020. In February 2021, the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program was announced and Business Coach Maria Luviano assisted Robert with submitting his application through his bank. Within days, Robert was funded enough to retain his 6 FTE employees and to hire 1 additional FTE employee. The North Valley BusinessSource Center is assisting Robert with additional financial resources such as grants, marketing, and will work with Robert on certifying his business and with securing procurement opportunities within the City of LA.
“Of course I would recommend The NV BusinessSource Center, they are very helpful! I consider ICON, where the rubber meets the ground. ICON brings government programs to me, and I am taking advantage of the resources.”
While Robert and Tomlinson Flowers has been keeping busy, he notes that he is still missing the big orders from weddings and corporate events that help him run at full capacity. Robert continues to work hard to keep his employees safe and conducts business strictly outside to ensure the transaction time is short.
Tomlinson Flowers is family owned and operated, located in Council District 7 in Mission Hills, on the corner of Sepulveda Blvd and Stanwood Ave, just across from the San Fernando Mission Catholic Cemetery. They are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. For special requests, please visit their website https://www.flowersbytomlinson.com/ or call them (818) 361-6364.
