Spotlight on Seabreeze: How a Minority Owned Business is Transforming Non Emergency Medical Transportation

At First Mid, we take pride in supporting all businesses. In celebration of Minority-Owned Business Month, we are showcasing some of those businesses that may inspire other entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their ventures and make a difference in their communities.

Seabreeze Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) offers a secure, affordable, and dependable transportation solution for residents needing timely access to essential appointments. Owned by Brisa Berumen-Dixon, a Latina entrepreneur, Seabreeze was established in 2020 in her Rockford, IL, basement following her previous medical career. Brisa has garnered local media attention and was recently featured as a leading transportation provider and speaker at the Latin Economics Summit.

According to the National Women's Business Council, only 3% of majority women-owned businesses have revenues exceeding $1 million annually, compared to 6% of majority men-owned businesses. The Center for Women's Business Research reports that majority women-owned businesses generate over 23 million jobs, directly and indirectly. Additionally, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce notes that Latinos start 82% of all new U.S. businesses, at three times the national average, with Latina women starting businesses at six times the national rate. Brisa is proud to be part of this influential group of Latina women business owners.

We asked Brisa about her business journey and experience working with First Mid commercial lender Jacki Martin in Rockford. Read her inspirational answers below.

1. How did you start your career as an entrepreneur? Is this your first business? Seabreeze Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is my first venture as an entrepreneur. It was born from a deep-seated community need for specialized wheelchair and stretcher transport services. My background in working with patients, particularly those with traumatic brain injuries, highlighted the significant gap in accessible transportation options, which inspired me to establish Seabreeze.
   
2. Did you find external resources such as courses, training, programs, or mentors helpful in your journey? Recognizing the complexities of the business landscape, especially in non-emergency medical transportation, I dedicated a year to extensive research and acquiring the necessary certifications mandated by the State of Illinois. Beginning amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I faced additional hurdles in establishing and growing the business. Starting from my basement with limited resources, including personal savings and a portion of my 401(k), I purchased our first vehicle.
   
3. How did you grow your company into what it is today? Were there critical foundational elements that contributed significantly? Securing financing initially proved challenging, but through perseverance and networking, I connected with Edward Caceres, who introduced me to Jacki Martin, VP of Business Banking at Blackhawk Bank (now First Mid Bank & Trust). This partnership was pivotal in securing the support needed to expand our operations.
   
4. Have you encountered challenges as a minority while starting or running your own business? As a minority woman in the transportation sector, I encountered unique obstacles. Still, my unwavering commitment and resilience guided me through the certification process as a minority woman-owned business with both the State of Illinois and Winnebago County. These milestones underscore my pride in achieving business success, bolstered by an exceptional team that shares my passion for community impact.
   
5. What advice would you give other minorities thinking about becoming an entrepreneur? Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but researching thoroughly is crucial. Consider both the time and financial commitment, along with the level of need in the community where you plan to operate. These factors are key to setting yourself up for success. Don't hesitate to leap - while it may not be easy, and you might find yourself working long hours, the reward of being able to sign your own checks and see your vision come to life is worth it. It's a challenging but fulfilling path that can lead to great personal and professional growth.
   
6. What are the next steps for your business? Do you have plans to expand? Our next milestone is establishing Seabreeze Headquarters, marking our transition from a basement operation. This facility will include a Morton building for vehicle storage, mechanic and washing stations, and an in-house classroom for comprehensive training-critical for operational success and compliance. This expansion is a testament to our vision and ambition for Seabreeze. My company remains steadfast in meeting today's community needs while preparing for future demands. I aim to continue creating more jobs for my community and consistently growing the business.
   
7. How has First Mid impacted your business? I am grateful for First Mid's support, which has been crucial for our growth. Special thanks to Jacki Martin, commercial lender in Rockford, IL. Jacki believed in my vision and supported my business plan, unlike many other banks. She embraced my passion for making a difference in the community where I was raised and continue to live. Her backing has been essential for Seabreeze NEMT, which helps wheelchair and stretcher-bound individuals reach medical appointments and eases the burden on the Rockford Fire Department. Our services are dedicated to positively impacting the community and First Mid's support has been key to achieving that goal.

If you dream of starting or expanding your business, click here to learn more about our Commercial Loans. Our commercial lenders are here to help.

*This Q&A was edited for clarity and length.