Treetip Intarakhao, the owner of Thai Pastry, a women-owned Thai restaurant in Chicago, faced overwhelming challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many small business owners, she endured the difficulties of keeping her restaurant afloat, managing rising rent costs imposed by her previous landlord, and striving to meet the needs of her employees while keeping the doors open. Despite her best efforts, she encountered repeated roadblocks in securing financial relief and grants, making the future of her beloved restaurant uncertain.

But Treetip’s resilience and unwavering dedication to her craft kept her going. She sought help from the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA), where she was supported by Chettha Saetia, the SBDC Director and his team. Together, they helped Treetip navigate the complex and often frustrating world of grants, real estate negotiations, and city permits. With their assistance, Treetip successfully applied for and was awarded a $250,000 Chicago Recovery Grant, a critical lifeline that enabled her to relocate and expand her restaurant, moving to a larger and more suitable location.

This was just the beginning of her new journey. CMAA’s support extended beyond the grant application. Chettha and his team worked with Treetip to negotiate a favorable new lease agreement with her new landlord, find contractors for the extensive build-out of her new space, and manage the myriad of licensing and permitting challenges involved in the renovation and expansion process. Every step was fraught with delays, from city permit approvals to grant reimbursements, forcing the restaurant to pause operations for two long months. But Treetip never lost faith.

Through CMAA's diligent efforts and continued guidance, Treetip’s vision came to life. Thai Pastry reopened in a beautifully renovated space, a project that only required Treetip to invest 10% of her own funds, thanks to the grant support. Today, the restaurant is thriving, offering an enhanced dining experience for customers, with a larger kitchen, modern amenities, and a layout designed to accommodate more guests.

However, the success of Thai Pastry didn’t stop there. In the fall of 2024, with the help of National ACE and the ongoing support of CMAA, Treetip received a $10,000 Grubhub grant. This grant further empowered her to continue growing her business and reach a broader customer base through delivery services and online orders, expanding Thai Pastry’s footprint in the competitive Chicago food scene.

Treetip’s story is one of triumph in the face of adversity. It highlights not only her tenacity but also the critical role that organizations like CMAA play in supporting immigrant-owned and minority businesses. With their help, Treetip was able to transform a dire situation into an inspiring success story—one that continues to nourish the Chicago community with her authentic Thai cuisine.