Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1375141
wbjournal.com | May 24, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 15 Learn more at bankHometown.com or call 888.307.5887 Member FDIC | Member DIF Tomorrow is already on its way, and our job is to set you up for success. As a local bank, we know what it takes to run a business around here. With personalized guidance and a suite of business products — free checking, online and mobile banking, cash management services and lending — we're committed to helping your business grow and prosper. We're here for local business. S M A L L B U S I N E S S F O C U S S ince 2006, Welberson Nunes, along with his family, has been building his Universal Insurance Agency and now is poised for faster growth as he cultivates clients throughout Worcester and Middlesex counties to understand the fundamentals of insurance. In March, the Worces- ter Business Development Corp. announced Nunes had received two loans totaling $850,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration's 504 loan program. Nunes, the president and owner of Universal Insurance, used the funds to buy both of his business's buildings: the main location acquired $500,000 and the second building the remainder $450,000. He now has plans to further expand his business. Nunes advised although many busi- Brazilian immigrant eyes business expansion BY AMY THAI Worcester Business Journal Editorial Intern ness owners, including himself, may go into an SBA loan application thinking it's an overwhelming process, having the assistance of others like the WBDC was a great help in completing this. "Although my 504 Loan process was somewhat long, it was smooth and worth the time. I personally believe the SBA 504 Loan is the best commercial real estate finance program to help small businesses like Universal Insurance Agency. Working with the WBDC team was the key to its suc- cess," he said. As president of the Worces- ter Brazilian Association who immigrated from Brazil at age 17 and first started work as a dishwasher, Nunes said he has seen a noticeable influx in the clients during the last year, especially in the Brazilian and Hispanic communi- ties. He said he is able to cater to a wider demographic as there is no language barrier with him for people whose first language isn't English. During COVID-19, Nunes said unlike what was expected, this pandem- ic hasn't affected his company much and has even increased its revenue. As Universal continues to be consistent and open five days a week, he and his team have found alternatives to communicat- ing with clients, doing so virtually. Now staffed with 11 workers, Nunes is in the process of hiring more employ- ees as he plans on expanding to more locations including a second office in Leominster, and in other states such as Connecticut and Florida. Welberson Nunes, owner of Universal Insurance Agency The Universal Insurance Agency team celebrates the purchase of its buliding on Belmont Street in Worcester. W PHOTO/COURTESY OF WORCESTER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORP.