Low Voltage - High Impact
JLA Communications LLC is a full-service low-voltage, audio visual, and electrical contractor delivering scalable infrastructure solutions for complex, high-performance environments. They specialize in design-build and large-scale deployments supporting data centers, K-12 education, government, healthcare, commercial facilities, nonprofits, and municipalities.
Owners Jacob and Stephanie Arocha each brought something to the table and focused intently on their skills and abilities to lead the company. Their leadership resulted in JLA growing from a handful of technicians to more than 55 employees. Growth and new opportunity brought financial challenges and funds were needed to source labor and equipment. Without additional financial resources, their dreams would be cut short.
The Arochas leaned on the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help them make the most of every opportunity. Through critical and timely capital assistance from the SBA, they obtained a $50,000 SBA Express Line of Credit, $150,000 SBA 7(a) working capital term note, and a $500,000 SBA Express Line of Credit. At each passing, these infusions catapulted them to a high-level of success, where they more than doubled the number of employees and reached nearly $8 million in sales in 2024 – four times more than just two years prior!
Together, they have established a level of success that won them the Small Business Persons of the Year for the SBA San Antonio District for 2026 and propelled them to a meteoric level built on SBA assistance and lending which helped them leverage the opportunities they worked hard to create.
Ms. Arocha lauds, "The SBA played a pivotal role in JLA's journey. As first-generation business owners, access to SBA-backed financing gave us the opportunity to establish and grow our company during the critical early years. Those loans provided the foundation we needed to invest in our team, equipment, and infrastructure when traditional financing options were limited. We are also incredibly grateful for our banking partners at Broadway Bank. Their team believed in our vision, guided us through the SBA lending process, and served as trusted advisers throughout our growth. The combination of SBA programs and Broadway Bank's support helped turn our goals into reality."
What started as a small family-owned business has grown into a thriving company in just six years. The support of the SBA helped turn what was once a dream into a successful business that now provides meaningful careers, apprenticeship opportunities, competitive benefits, and pathways for advancement for JLA Communications. Beyond their company's growth, the SBA's investment in JLA has allowed them to give back to the communities which have been supportive. Today, they proudly partner with local nonprofits, support educational initiatives, contribute to community organizations, and create opportunities that extend far beyond their office walls. The SBA didn't just help build a business - it helped build a platform that allows JLA to create opportunities for others.