Business Name: Singapore Room
Business Owner: Dustin Tyler
Funded Date: November 13th, 2024
Jobs to be Created: 18
Their Story
Growing up in a family where running restaurants and bars was the norm, Dustin Tyler was inspired to open his own Asian-inspired eatery in Saugatuck, Michigan. Tyler shared that his father owned and operated several food and beverage venues, an influence that significantly shaped his career path. The appeal of being his own boss was also something Tyler valued from an early age.
For Tyler, opening Singapore Room was an opportunity to fill a void in the Saugatuck community and its culinary scene. The delicacies offered at Singapore Room bring new flavors to the Saugatuck market, enriching the local offerings for Asian-inspired cuisine. With a talented, growing team, Singapore Room has created eighteen jobs, boosting the local economy.
The Vision
Saugatuck, Michigan, a small town on the east side of the state, relies heavily on tourism, making small businesses essential to its local economy. Singapore Room has brought new energy to the town’s dining scene, adding a valuable asset to its diverse culinary experiences.
This hidden gem provides a unique dining experience where guests can explore new dishes and beverages. A staple item they are known for is their Lychee Martini, which has earned rave reviews from visitors. Singapore Room has made a positive impact on the small-town community, introducing not only new cultural cuisine that locals now crave but also impeccable service that warmly welcomes every guest.
The Journey
“Nothing can prepare you for how complicated it is to navigate state and local government requirements to get a project like this off the ground,” said Dustin Tyler, owner of Singapore Room. Starting a business is neither a simple nor an inexpensive process. For Tyler, securing the right financing option was essential.
GLCF and the SBA 504 Loan Program
Singapore Room secured an SBA 504 Loan with the assistance of Great Lakes Commercial Finance and Macatawa Bank. Tyler shared that if it were not for this loan program, he would be paying significantly more in finance charges. With this opportunity, he was able to secure the best possible terms for 35% of his project costs.
“Bradd Pierce, my GLCF Loan Officer, was in constant communication with me and guided me through what could have been a very messy process with ease,” said Tyler. Our staff remains committed to transforming a complex system into a straightforward process for our clients.
We are grateful to work with entrepreneurs who strive to bring diversity to our communities.
