Gabriela and her husband, Bryant Maldonado, came to the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) with a shared goal: to start a business that could improve their young daughter’s quality of life.
Together, they launched B&G Flooring Solutions LLC, an experience Gabriela says has been challenging, rewarding, and far more fulfilling than working a traditional 9-to-5 job.
“What brought us to CIE was the need to start a business, since having a salary did not allow us to provide our little girl with the quality of life she deserves,” Gabriela explained.
In June, Gabriela graduated from CIE’s Comadres program—a training initiative for emerging women entrepreneurs held in partnership with 3 Rivers Community Foundation and Broetje Family Trust in Pasco. Upon graduation, she received a $500 seed grant to help launch her business.
Navigating the Path to Business Ownership
Building a business from scratch can be daunting, but CIE’s guidance helped Gabriela and Bryant navigate every essential step.
“CIE opened our minds to different possibilities for entrepreneurship, especially by helping us gain knowledge and understand the regulations and requirements established by the city so that we can operate our business properly,” Gabriela said.
Gabriela also credits the fellow female entrepreneurs she met during the Comadres program with providing valuable insights and encouragement.
“Another positive impact has been the opportunity to connect with other people and, above all, to feel more motivated to use our abilities and skills,” she said. “I recommend the courses offered by CIE, not only to gain an understanding of what it means to become an entrepreneur, but also to strengthen our business and help it achieve success.”
Today, B&G Flooring Solutions operates as a fully licensed, bonded, and insured family business serving the Tri-Cities area. By delivering high-quality professional flooring installations, Gabriela, Bryant, and their team use expert craftsmanship to transform residential spaces while contributing to local employment and economic growth.
Empowered for the Future
Gabriela is grateful that funders support programs like CIE. “Thank you for making this possible. Thanks to all your support, I was able to get where I am today,” Gabriela said in a note to CIE. “Now I feel like a woman who is prepared to open her business. I hope you can offer more [training] soon and give more women the opportunity to learn.”
B&G Flooring Solutions LLC is just beginning its journey, but Gabriela and Bryant are already building a stronger foundation for their family—one step, and one floor, at a time.
