Haiyan Feng has owned Yume Sushi in Taber for over 3 years. In late 2024, she opened her second business U & Me Cafe in downtown Taber.
Serving breakfast items, from pancakes, to waffles, french toast, and egg breakfast combos, Feng wanted to serve another option for the community of Taber when dining out.
Alvaro Mendes, the business analyst with Community Futures Chinook, visited and offered support to Feng with her first business, Yume Sushi. At the time, she didn’t need the support.
With this second venture the building needed updates, and Feng was reminded of the visit and available support that Mendes offered. She reached out to apply for the Capital Growth Initiative Grant and Beautification Loan. Mendes lended business coaching along with receiving financial support.
“Alvaro was helpful through the whole process, and he always came prepared, which made applying extremely easy. It’s really helpful to have support like this as a business owner,” says Feng.
The two loans were used towards purchasing a new hot water tank, air conditioner, and furnace for the building. New flooring and updated electrical equipment was also completed before Feng opened the doors to her new cafe.
“It’s so great, because now I don’t have to worry down the road about replacing the furnace, air conditioning, or hot water tank. As a business owner, I get to worry less about those extra costs,” says Feng.
Feng is grateful to Community Futures Chinook, and for the community of Taber, “I want to thank the kind, local people in Taber who’ve supported Yume Sushi and U & Me Cafe.”
Find U & Me Cafe online at uandmecafetaber.com. Dine in at 5313 48 Ave, Taber.
