“Every morning, I wake up loving what I do,” Mahate says. “I've been doing this for 16 years and there are three things that are important to me: To share our culture, to connect people, and to build community — all through food.”

With a goal of transforming the lives of refugee and immigrant women, Mahate launched RISE Culinary Institute, a nonprofit that provides free, hands-on culinary education and life skills training. Mahate founded RISE to “pay forward” the opportunities she has received to women who, like her, started with nothing but a dream and determination.

“This has been a dream that I get to live,” Mahate says. “This was meant to be.”

Business Success Ingredient #3: A Dedicated Financial Ally

Mahate first got to know Zions Bank while she was working at the Salt Lake Chamber and had the opportunity to meet bank employees and see the bank’s involvement in community issues first-hand.

“I got my first SBA loan through Zions Bank and I had all my business accounts through Zions Bank as well,” she says. “They were helpful throughout the journey of growing from spice blends at the farmer's market to opening multiple locations.”

Mahate says she recommends Zions Bank because they see her business through her eyes.

“It's a fact,” she says. “And I feel that and I’ve experienced that. It is a community bank that supports businesses of all sizes — small, medium, and large — no matter where we are.”

Zions Bank: We See Your Business Through Your Eyes

Looking for a bank that sees your business through your eyes? Zions Bank is the #1 small business lender thanks to our proven relationship banking approach. We help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, seize opportunities and grow with confidence.

Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including SBA loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.