Buttermilk Biscuit
LeAnna Lynn knew she wanted to be the CEO of a company when she was young. When she was 12 years old, she sold chocolate-covered treats to her classmates and asked her parents to open a bank account after she made her first $100. While studying marketing and branding at Georgia State University, she started her first company called Executive Marketing Company. While she loved the field, she pivoted to the hospitality industry, which helped her realize her full potential not only as a marketer but as an entrepreneur.
“I fell in love with the business side of things, from problem-solving and building operational systems to developing and leading people,” LeAnna said.
After betting on herself and purchasing a lounge franchise in midtown Atlanta, LeAnna was immersed in a world of food, service, and people, and enjoyed innovating within the franchise model to improve sales, profits, and operations.
How the SBA Community Advantage Program Helped Foster a Sense of Community
Today, LeAnna is the owner of Buttermilk Biscuit restaurant in College Park, Ga. and combines her love of community and passion for business in a concept that truly represents her. She first learned about SBA during college, but it wasn’t until 2023 that she used SBA financial assistance to help launch her restaurant.
“In May 2023, I applied for an SBA 7(a) Community Advantage loan through a Certified Development Company (CDC),” LeAnna said. “The lender was extremely supportive, guiding me through each step of the process and even providing a business advisor to help improve my projections. This loan provided the startup capital I needed to bring Buttermilk Biscuit to life.”
LeAnna opened the doors to Buttermilk Biscuit in November 2023, and the Community Advantage loan helped execute her vision to create a “home away for home” for guests in her local community.
LeAnna encourages other entrepreneurs to find mentors and to “speak your vision to people who feed your growth — you never know who can help or join your cause,” she said. “Refine your vision constantly until you have a clear plan and break down big goals into smaller tasks. Don’t wait for the perfect moment — start now and remember that your effort will determine your success. If it lights a fire in your stomach, then you’re on the right path.”
To learn more about the SBA 7(a) Community Advantage and other SBA programs in Georgia, visit www.sba.gov/ga.