CommunityEnterprise™ worked with member Robert Freeman to assist with solidifying his business idea, pivoting, and launching his new business, Yard Art LLC. Robert has a passion for sustainability and community development, and hopes to one day become a developer of green communities in Seattle and King County. He has a background in construction, facility maintenance and is currently studying Sustainable Building Science Technology at South Seattle College. He has been underemployed for a number of years, and came to us with a plan to go into community development work. After he worked through CIE’s First Step, he realized that RainWise Garden Construction was a more viable short term business to help him support his growing family and prepare him for his longer-term goals. He pivoted his business idea and quickly proved the feasibility of installing rain gardens in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities’ RainWise Rebate Program. His business, YardArt, had several interested clients lined up before launch this summer. We were able help him apply for and receive a $6,000 loan from Mercy Corps Northwest to use for startup expenses such as tools and materials for his first jobs. Robert is currently working to market his business, and get his permits in place so he will be ready to begin work shortly after the birth of the newest addition to his family—a baby boy.