Two businesses launched by Extend the Dream now flourishing on their own

Two of the small enterprises which Extend the Dream (EDF) helped launch are now flourishing on their own.

First, Mick's Workshop, owned by Mick Vevera, is now an independent business. It was spun off from Extend the Dream in a two step process. The business went out on its own in 2013. Last month, the Workshop building and home were sold to Mick. Tom Walz, founder of Extend the Dream, assisted Mick in the transfer. The workshop is located at 2220 F St. in the Towncrest district.

Second, Golden Carrot Bakery, owned by David "Gus" Gustafson, now has a home inside the Wesley Center in downtown Iowa City. The bakery began in Gustafson's home in 2011 with a $500 loan from the EDF microfinance fund. A second $500 loan helped purchase a refrigerator for the business. Funds for the loans to Gus (and others) have come from a grant to Extend the Dream by the Campaign for Human Development, an arm of the Catholic diocese of Davenport.