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From Roadblocks to Resilience: 

How Gabe Green Kept His Business Moving Forward with Help From First Alliance Credit Union

Meet Gabe Green, Entrepreneur and Community Builder

When Gabe Green founded Quality Cleaning Minnesota, he set out to build more than a commercial cleaning company. He wanted to create jobs, empower people in his community, and take pride in running a successful minority-owned business in Rochester, MN. But like many small business owners of color, Gabe quickly ran into barriers and roadblocks.

“I was looking for a small loan, something to help with a payroll, to help with cash flow, like a line of credit type of thing. But I could not find anyone to aid me, to help me. ” ~ Gabe Green, Owner of Quality Cleaning Minnesota

Watch Gabe’s Full Story in This Video

Shut Out by Traditional Banks

Despite nearly a decade of business history and strong financial documentation, Gabe was repeatedly denied the working capital he needed.

“We had the accounts receivables, the profit and loss statements to show everything. There was no reason for us, but it's just minority owned businesses just do not get the same opportunities. ”

His business needed a modest cash flow boost to stay on track, but traditional financial institutions kept turning him away. The rejection was frustrating—and familiar.

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A Different First Impression

Then someone pointed him in a different direction. Through a recommendation from Rochester’s mayor, Gabe connected with First Alliance Credit Union. From the moment he walked in, the tone was different.

“I hadn’t filled out an application. I hadn’t even opened an account. And she asked me, ‘How can we help you?’ It was powerful.”

That simple question carried more weight than a loan approval. It meant Gabe was being seen, heard, and supported. Instead of more red tape, Gabe found support, trust, and a team that treated him like his dreams mattered.

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A Unique Financial Partner

What followed was more than just financing. Gabe found a financial partner who treated him with respect and invested in his success, not just his balance sheet. At First Alliance, Gabe felt seen—not just as a business owner, but as a person.

“They viewed me as an individual. They viewed my numbers and my books. And they made a decision based off of that. They personally cared about my business and personally cared about me.”

Danielle of First Alliance and Gabe talking
 

Real Impact, Real Trust

Thanks to that support, Gabe kept his business sustainable. He even refers his employees, many of whom were unbanked, to the credit union to open their first accounts.

“Being a small business has been hard. But because of First Alliance, we’ve been able to be sustainable. First Alliance has built trust with businesses like mine by being active, by being present, by creating spaces for individual voices to be heard.”

Gabe’s story is more than a financial success, it’s a testament to what’s possible when a financial institution cares about your future.

Gabe Green walking
 

You Deserve a Financial Partner That Shows Up, Listens to Your Story, and Provides Possibilities.

Whether you're starting a business, rebuilding credit, or looking for a financial institution that sees you (not just your credit score) First Alliance Credit Union is here to help.

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Explore the Tools Gabe Used to Find Success

Wondering how First Alliance can help your business? Ask us!

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