DETROIT - 

When Rita, Trisha and Tammy decided they wanted to open an upscale pet boutique in Detroit's Eastern Market, their friends -- and even husbands -- told them they were crazy. 

But now, two years after opening 3 Dogs 1 Cat Urban Pet Shoppe, business is booming. 

The shop just landed an exclusive contract to sell Shinola's leather pet products -- which will start April 25. 

But things didn't always go smooth. In the beginning, they had trouble finding the money to start the business. That's where the Center of Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED) stepped in. 

CEED, which provides small business loans, jumped on board with the woman and paved the way for them to set up shop. 

CEED has more than $700,000 available for small businesses. To find out more,visit MICEED.org.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/small-business-loan-helps-detroit-pet-shop-flourish/32235488