23 Jun Fresh Start: How SmartFresh Laundry is Revitalizing Their Line of Work, One Load at a Time

When three siblings, Henok, Yonas, Roman, and Mulat decided to go into business together, their idea for successful next steps came easily. Watching their other sister open and operate several laundromats had inspired them to look for a new entry point into business ownership. Pursuing the family model, the laundromat felt like the right fit. It was a tangible service, and a real neighborhood need that they knew they could build with confidence and excitement.

What followed was a deep dive into the industry. They researched, learned, and mapped out a plan — and that’s when they found Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) through contact at the City of Minneapolis. They learned about NDC’s loan offerings, which opened a door to flexible capital, a crucial piece of the puzzle for entrepreneurs who need financing that meets them where they are.

Working with NDC’s lending team, they navigated the Clean Energy Loan process with support and guidance at each step. The partnership with NDC didn’t stop at the loan. NDC connected SmartFresh with Energy Smart, who completed an assessment of their space and equipment purchases, helping them file paperwork for possible grants, rebates, and reimbursements through different clean energy focused programs at the state and city levels. ‘

The road wasn’t without its bumps. Construction delays created documentation challenges and required patience and persistence to work through. But with a background in civil engineering, the siblings were able to manage a complex renovation project using familiar project management tactics and skillsets.

The build was significant. The team redid the entire building. New vending machines, heaters, heat pumps, and modern equipment replaced what had been left behind. The space they took over had once been a laundromat, but the previous owner had stripped it bare. What remained was a shell of potential waiting to be rebuilt.

Today, SmartFresh Laundry at 914 W. Broadway Ave. in North Minneapolis is a modern, welcoming space. Equipped with high-efficiency machines, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security. The energy upgrades even delivered some pleasant surprises in the form of utility discounts that continue to benefit the business.

Reflecting on the journey, co-owner Henok was clear about what helped make this a reality: “NDC has been wonderful. It’s a lot of requirements and steps to build something like this, and NDC was there through it all with great communication.”

Learn more about SmartFresh Laundry at smartfreshlaundry.com.