Susana Ipanaque and her family started La Peruanita with a small food cart and a desire to share the flavors of their Peruvian culture. Through catering, markets, and events, they introduced people to their food, built relationships with customers, and worked toward a dream: one day opening their own café.
In 2024, Susana began working with the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE). Through individualized business advising, she received support to strengthen her business and move toward that goal. That relationship continued as La Peruanita grew and Susana pursued new opportunities to take the next step.
As part of that journey, she received a $10,000 loan through the Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN), a Washington State Department of Commerce initiative in which CIE participates. The financing allowed her to invest in her business. In August 2026, Susana fully repaid the loan and, under the program’s terms, the $10,000 was returned to her as a grant that did not need to be repaid.
On August 30, 2026, Susana and her family reached a milestone: the grand opening of La Peruanita Café in Everett. To celebrate, they invited family, friends, customers, and organizations that had supported their journey. It was an opportunity to share the flavors of Peru and thank those who, over four years, had supported the business by purchasing their food, recommending it to others, or sharing a post.
Her entrepreneurial spirit, her entire family’s hard work, and the support of her community helped make that dream possible. In a note to CIE, Susana wrote:
“Thank you so much for all the support and advice for our business. I have grown so much as an entrepreneur. Today, a dream came true. We have a café!”
For CIE, it is a joy to have worked alongside Susana since 2024 and to see how that small family business has found a new home. The café’s opening marks a new chapter in a story of perseverance, growth, and community.
Visit La Peruanita Café and be part of its next chapter! Enjoy its flavors inspired by Peru and support a family business with so much to celebrate.
2110 Broadway Ave, Suite C, Everett, WA 98201
www.laperuanita.org
