Earnest House in Tucson Among First Recipients of Microbusiness Loans from New Program
On August 8, Governor Hobbs publicly launched the new Arizona Microbusiness Loan Program, which offers favorable loans to the state’s smallest businesses (fewer than five employees) to facilitate economic development and foster job creation in communities across Arizona.
Today, Governor Hobbs paid a visit to one of the first businesses to be issued a loan through the program, stopping by Earnest House LLC, in Tucson. KGUN-TV in Tucson reported on the visit.
Founded and directed by Daniel Howe, Earnest House is a transitional housing organization dedicated to providing safe and sober housing for individuals re-entering society, particularly those recovering from substance abuse or exiting the prison system. Leveraging his personal experiences and nearly a decade of professional expertise, Howe assists formerly incarcerated individuals in overcoming barriers to housing and employment.
Howe and his team recently secured a $15,000 loan from the Community Investment Corporation (CIC), one of the official state lending partners for the Microbusiness Loan Program. This funding will help cover expenses related to their moving process and assist in the opening of a new housing facility. The new facility will increase their capacity to house more individuals and will include a partnership with the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) to provide services for shelter dogs. This expansion aims to create a more inclusive environment where both people and animals can thrive.
Days after the microbusiness loan was issued to Earnest House, KGUN-TV also interviewed Howe, noting that “this program offers more than just financial assistance—it provides hope and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities.”
Impact of the Funding
The Earnest House has already made a significant impact in the Tucson community by providing over 75,000 nights of safe housing. Their work has guided thousands of homeless individuals into stable housing and employment opportunities. With the additional capital to expand the facilities, the organization is planning to:
• Increase housing capacity to support more individuals in need.
• Foster a nurturing environment for shelter dogs through their partnership with PACC.
• Enhance community participation and support for their programs.
Partnering with Community Investment Corporation
Before approaching CIC, Howe considered SBA loans but was unsure where to start. He noted, "We have never received a loan from a financial institution, and the process was confusing and felt unapproachable. Working with the CIC team helped me understand what I was getting into."
CIC provided not only the necessary funding for Earnest House, but also offered them financial literacy training, ensuring Howe fully understood his financial commitments. This financial education and training support made the funding process straightforward and accessible, enabling Earnest House to continue and expand its impactful work in the community.
“Earnest House represents a perfect example of the benefits of the Microbusiness Loan Program in communities around the state,” said Carlos Contreras, director of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the state agency administering the program. “It’s well documented that small businesses – like the one Mr. Howe runs – drive local economies throughout Arizona and across the nation. The Microbusiness Loan Program offers those business owners and entrepreneurs with great ideas a chance to fund their businesses with loans that would not be available to them through conventional funding or through traditional financial institutions.”
During her visit to Earnest House, Governor Hobbs acknowledged both the importance of the Microbusiness Loan Program and the impact that Earnest House has on the surrounding community. “We wanted to highlight the small business loan program and the good work that it’s doing in the community,” Hobbs said. "Also, this program (Earnest House) is incredible in terms of how they’re helping folks with reentry and reducing recidivism.”
For more information on the Arizona Microbusiness Loan Program, click here.