The Pittsburgh Juice Company was first opened in February 2014 in a historic art deco building overlooking Doughboy Square in Lower Lawrenceville. With a successful first location, company owner and founder, Naomi Hoppel was looking for a way to continue the growth of her business.
Hoppel faced challenges common to many small businesses including staffing, inventory management and limited access to capital. Despite these challenges, as well as ones that impact a fresh, organic fruit business uniquely, her vision for a fresh food and community destination kept Hoppel moving forward.
Next to the City of Pittsburgh, the former farmer's market in Aspinwall was purchased by Hoppel in April 2023 and would double as a cafe and new production area. The new location, Vibrant Sunshine Juicery Cafe, would be dedicated to “promoting happiness, wellness and sustainability through delicious grab-and-go foods and juices,” said Hoppel. “And the high traffic area allows convenient access to fresh food with plant-forward options.”
The Pittsburgh Juice Company acquired a business loan from Enterprise Bank, an FHLBank Pittsburgh (FHLBank) member. Additional financing was still needed to make this project possible; so, Enterprise Bank helped them access an FHLBank Banking On Business (BOB) loan. The BOB program, which offers secondary financing, can help to fill the financing gap between what a qualified small business needs and what a member financial institution is willing to lend.
In discussing the loan for this small business, Chuck Leyh, President and CEO of Enterprise Bank said, “Enterprise Bank is committed to helping small businesses serve communities and FHLBank Pittsburgh is an essential partner in that mission. We look forward to watching The Pittsburgh Juice Company thrive.”
The Pittsburgh Juice Company application became FHLBank’s 1,000th BOB loan to be funded and utilized the Banking On Business Inclusion and Equity fund (BOBIE). “BOBIE is a specific type of BOB loan which was established as a special purpose credit program that offers flexible terms that are favorable to minority- and women-owned small business borrowers,” said Julie Francis, product manager for the program. “Through the support of our members, FHLBank is able to provide additional funding to empower small businesses and create a positive economic impact on the areas our members serve.”
“This newest location marks an important step forward for The Pittsburgh Juice Company and Vibrant Sunshine,” said Hoppel. “The expanded retail space and production capacity will have a profound impact on our operations and enable us to grow to our full potential with expanded menu offerings and jobs created in our community. We are grateful for the support we have received throughout this expansion and for the opportunity to serve the Aspinwall community. We are so excited for the future!”
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About The Pittsburgh Juice Company
At The Pittsburgh Juice Company (affectionately known as “PJC”), the goal is to provide a product that makes you feel good and that you can feel good about. They believe in sustainability and the importance of wholesome, unprocessed, plant-based foods. In this woman-owned, family business, waste is minimal while ingredients are organic and seasonally local; all making for happy bodies and for a happy earth. Their new endeavor Vibrant Sunshine Juicery Cafe is a plant-forward cafe dedicated to promoting happiness, wellness and sustainability through nutritious grab-and-go foods and drinks.
About Enterprise Bank
Enterprise Bank opened its doors for business in October 1998. Since that day, our focus has been on providing the region with a bank that addresses the particular needs of entrepreneurs, startups, expanding businesses, and businesses in distress. It is our conviction that every business deserves the chance to start, grow and succeed. Enterprise Bank strives to bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the traditional commercial banking industry.
About FHLBank Pittsburgh
FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.
