A long-held dream
Clara, 28, has been passionate about patisserie since childhood, and always knew that one day she would open her own gourmet salon. After studying business and retraining for a CAP in pastry-making, she decided to take the plunge and open her own artisan patisserie in her native Bordeaux.
Despite her enthusiasm, Clara soon came up against an inescapable reality : launching a business requires substantial funds, in particular to buy professional equipment, fit out the premises, finance the initial stock, communication and cover the first months of business.
The initial requirement is estimated at 48,000 euros. But with no significant personal contribution and no family support, Clara had to find a suitable financing solution.
The challenge : financing a credible project with no creative experience
Although she has undergone serious training and obtained a CAP (vocational training certificate), Clara is still a novice entrepreneur. Traditional banks were reluctant to take on her profile : young, with no collateral and no entrepreneurial track record.
She had already :
Found a 40 m² premises in a good location, requiring some work
Drawn up a solid business plan, with the support of the Chambre des Métiers
Estimated fixed costs, sales forecasts, margins and break-even point.
Define a strong brand identity around local, plant-based patisserie.
But this was not enough to reassure the banks.
It was against this backdrop that she turned to Garantia Credit, recommended by her network of local entrepreneurs.
A tailor-made solution for young entrepreneurs
First of all, we carried out an in-depth analysis of Clara’s project, her financing plan and her repayment capacity, taking into account her personal situation :
Situation : tenant, single, no children
Income : occasional catering jobs + unemployment benefits (ARE)
Debt : none
Savings : €3,000 available
Request : financing of €45,000 for equipment, work, initial stock, cash register and communication.
After evaluation, we proposed a business loan over 6 years, at a competitive fixed rate of 8.8%, with :
Estimated monthly payment : €789
Partial deferment of repayment for 3 months to help her get started without pressure
This solution enabled Clara to start her business without delay, while maintaining a secure cash position.
Preparing the financing package
In collaboration with Clara, our advisor helped her put together a complete business plan, including :
Business plan validated by a chartered accountant
12-month cash flow plan, with a realistic sales forecast
Quotes for equipment and work
A local market study, targeting an urban clientele sensitive to artisanal and lactose-free products
A clear presentation of its offer, positioning and marketing strategy.
This level of preparation played a key role in validating the financing quickly, in less than 3 weeks after the complete application had been submitted.
A well-prepared launch
With the funds released, Clara was able to :
✅ Renovate and equip her premises with professional equipment (oven, mixer, display cabinets, fridge)
✅ Create her website and launch a local campaign on social networks
✅ Build up a stock of quality raw materials
✅ Hire an apprentice on a work-study contract
✅ Organize a successful inauguration day, relayed by the local press
The result : within the first few weeks, orders were pouring in. Clara’s gluten-free and plant-based pastries appeal to customers who are concerned about healthy eating.
Promising first-quarter results
Three months after opening his patisserie, the figures speak for themselves :
Average monthly sales: €8,300
Gross margin: 63%
Loyal clientele and growing network presence
First partnerships with local cafés to offer her creations
Thanks to rigorous management and the quality of her products, Clara exceeds her initial forecasts. She manages to meet her first monthly payments without difficulty, while developing her brand image.
Why did this financing work ?
Several factors have contributed to Clara’s success :
A clear, differentiated project : she doesn’t just sell cakes, but a coherent, trendy concept based on “eating well”.
Sound preparation : business plan, costing studies, anticipation of real needs.
Personalized support : our team adapted the financing to her profile and constraints, in particular with deferred repayment.
Serious management : Clara managed every euro of her financing with discipline and foresight.
Clara’s testimonial
“Without this loan, I would never have been able to launch my business so serenely. I had the ideas, the passion, but not the means. Thanks to Garantia Credit’s support, I was able to bring my project to life without feeling alone. I repay every month with confidence, because I know why I started.
Her story shows that a well-constructed business loan can transform a personal ambition into concrete entrepreneurial success, even for young entrepreneurs with no collateral.
Who is this type of business loan for?
Our financing solutions are designed for :
Business start-ups or takeovers
Self-employed or self-employed professionals
Retailers, craftsmen and service providers
Those with a clear project, but difficult access to traditional bank financing
We tailor our offers to each profile, with flexible conditions, flexible terms and support from A to Z.
Our added value
As a specialized credit organization, we believe that :
A good project deserves financing
Human support makes all the difference
An entrepreneur’s success also depends on the trust placed in him or her from the outset.
That’s why we offer fast, transparent and accessible solutions to those who banks don’t always listen to.
Conclusion
Today, Clara is an accomplished entrepreneur who combines passion, rigor and ambition. Her story shows that financing can be a decisive springboard – provided you have the right advice and support.
Do you too have a project to finance?
Our team is here to listen, guide and help you realize your ambitions, calmly and efficiently.
Because good financing is, above all, the starting point for a successful project.