Growth Through Capital Coaching: Indiana Elite Services
For many entrepreneurs, landing a major contract is the dream. But for Alejandro Saucedo of Indiana Elite Services, it also exposed one of the biggest barriers facing growing businesses: access to capital.
Saucedo spent years building his company and pursuing larger-scale opportunities. But despite strong ambition and momentum, traditional financing remained out of reach.
“From very early on, I was always chasing large-scale jobs,” said Saucedo. “I went to every bank in town looking for support, but as a new business, I kept hearing the same thing: ‘come back later.’”
That “not now” answer is exactly the kind of gap the Capital Coaching program at CDFI Friendly South Bend was designed to address.
Initially launched in 2023 with support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the Capital Coaching program helps entrepreneurs prepare for funding by strengthening financial literacy, organizing business documentation, building projections, and helping business owners better communicate their financial story to lenders and CDFIs.
“When I finally secured my first large-scale contract, it was everything I had been working for — and yet, when I went back to those same banks, there was silence,” Saucedo shared. “I was in a panic. I had a life-changing opportunity in front of me with no capital to execute it.”
Through Capital Coaching, Saucedo worked directly with coaches who helped him understand his financials, improve how he presented his business, and prepare for financing conversations.
“The coaching program didn’t just help me secure financing,” said Saucedo. “It gave me the tools, confidence, and understanding to build a scalable business and create real, lasting change for my family and my team.”
Nick Ladig of Digs Advising Co., who served as Saucedo’s capital coach, said Alejandro’s willingness to learn and adapt helped set the stage for success.
“I was honored to work with a variety of entrepreneurs during my time as a capital coach with CDFI Friendly South Bend,” said Ladig. “Each entrepreneur brought unique skills and challenges that we worked through together while preparing for access to growth capital.”
Ladig pointed to Saucedo’s expansion into municipal services as a key turning point for the business.
“Alex’s hard work and determination gave his funding scenario a strong foundation as he diversified his business from cleaning into municipal services with a major toll booth project,” he said. “His willingness to seek feedback and work through financial modeling ultimately helped us craft a business plan that was deserving of the funding earned.”
He added, “Kudos to CDFI Friendly and all the active entrepreneurs making an impact on this community.”
The impact of the program continues to grow. According to CDFI Friendly South Bend’s 2025 annual report, the Capital Coaching program served 27 coaching clients and helped facilitate 17 closed loans, totaling $1.67 million in approved loans and lines of credit.
Today, Saucedo’s relationship with the organization has come full circle. After benefiting from the program as a client, he now serves on the board of directors for CDFI Friendly South Bend, helping support future entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges.
The story of Indiana Elite Services highlights the mission behind Capital Coaching: not just helping businesses access funding, but helping entrepreneurs build long-term financial confidence and sustainable growth.
Learn more about the Capital Coaching program here:
Capital Coaching Program
