When Gail Middleton-Williams founded Hearts That Matter Most in 2015, she had a vision to create a safe space where seniors with cognitive impairments could receive personalized care and attention. But her journey was made possible by the generosity of donors like you, whose contributions to Entrepreneur Works enabled Gail to bring her dream to life.
With a $13,000 start-up loan funded by Entrepreneur Works—made possible by the support of our donors—Gail was able to launch her adult day services center, which quickly became a lifeline for families across Philadelphia.
The Power of Donor Support: Fueling Growth and Impact
Gail’s story is one of resilience and perseverance, but also of the critical role that community support plays in helping small businesses thrive. Through ongoing donations, Gail secured a $20,000 expansion loan in 2018 and a Tech Solutions Plus grant to integrate smartphone technology into her operations. This allowed her to improve her services and expand her reach, thanks to the contributions of individuals who believe in the power of supporting small businesses.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Hearts That Matter Most faced significant disruptions. A cyber-attack on one of her major providers delayed payments, and her business struggled as staffing and client care were impacted. Yet, with the ongoing assistance of Entrepreneur Works—backed by donor generosity—Gail found the support she needed to navigate these difficult times.
In a heartfelt message to Entrepreneur Works, Gail shared her gratitude:
“The compassion and commitment of Kim Cooper and the Entrepreneur Works team helped me stay optimistic during the toughest times. Their guidance—made possible by donor support—enabled my business to continue serving the seniors who depend on us.”
Community Leadership and Giving Back
Thanks to the contributions of donors, Gail’s impact has only grown. Today, Hearts That Matter Most serves an average of 60 clients per week and provides internships and scholarships to students studying human services and social work. Gail has become a key community leader, serving as treasurer for the Wadsworth Business Association and partnering with local schools and organizations to give back.
Most recently, Gail received $30,000 in funding through the Power Plus Loan and Incentive Grant programs—additional resources made possible by donors—to help her continue her work through challenging times.
Celebrating 35 Years of Community Impact
As we celebrate 35 years of Entrepreneur Works, stories like Gail’s remind us of the profound difference donor support makes in empowering small businesses to thrive and give back to their communities. The support from our donors has been the driving force behind Hearts That Matter Most and many other businesses like it.
Join Us in Empowering Small Businesses
Gail Middleton-Williams’ success story is a testament to the impact your generosity can have. By supporting Entrepreneur Works, you are empowering entrepreneurs like Gail to overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and continue making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Donate today to help us continue this work. Together, we can break barriers, empower dreams, and build stronger communities.
