Building Community Through Service: How a Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Helped MediZoom Take Off
When James Carter left the military after more than two decades of service—including a tough final deployment to Afghanistan in 2019—he thought he’d take a long break. He had earned it. But after a year of rest and reflection, James and his wife Ariagna, both medically trained veterans, began building something new: MediZoom, a non-emergency medical transportation company serving Ventura County and beyond.
The business idea came from personal experience. “We had seen, first-hand, how bad private medical transportation could be for people who really needed it,” James explains. “We wanted to do better. Something with compassion, with care.”
The Carters knew they had the training and the heart to serve their community. What they needed was a little help getting started.
A Loan Designed for Local Success
Through a referral from the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, James was introduced to the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC). That connection changed everything.
“At first, we were seeing these crazy loan rates—12%, 15%, even 18%. We didn’t want to put our life savings or retirement at risk,” James says. “But when I found out about the loan program in Camarillo, it felt like the gates just opened.”
The City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund, offered in partnership with EDC, provides low-interest loans—between $10,000 and $100,000—to help local businesses grow. The program is tailored for entrepreneurs like James: people with a clear vision, strong work ethic, and a desire to make a difference in their community.
The loan allowed MediZoom to put a down payment on their first wheelchair-accessible van. “That was huge,” James says. “It gave us the foundation we needed.”
Quality Over Quantity
MediZoom isn’t aiming to become a giant transportation company with dozens of vehicles. Instead, James and Ariagna are focused on personal, high-quality service. “We’re not trying to do mass production here,” James says. “We pride ourselves on the experience each person has. It’s about making people feel comfortable and cared for.”
With two vehicles—a wheelchair-accessible van and a standard sedan—MediZoom can serve clients with a variety of needs. “Some folks are more comfortable in a car. Others need the van. We want every ride to feel safe and smooth.”
Every driver at MediZoom is trained in CPR, First Aid, and AED, with additional training in defensive driving and customer care. For the Carters, this isn’t just a business—it’s a mission.
The Power of Support
While the financial boost was crucial, James says the support from EDC made a lasting impact. “Sometimes, when you apply for a loan, they just throw paperwork at you and say, ‘figure it out.’ EDC wasn’t like that. They guided us every step of the way.”
The EDC not only helped the Carters navigate the application process but also provided no-cost advising on building a marketing plan, creating business goals, and planning for sustainable growth. That ongoing mentorship continues after the loan, with regular check-ins to make sure businesses stay on track.
“It was stressful,” James admits. “But the pressure was really just from wanting to get everything right. EDC and the City of Camarillo made the process as smooth as it could be.”
Giving Back, Moving Forward
Thanks to the loan and the city’s support, MediZoom has not only grown but also found ways to give back.
“We’ve been able to expand our marketing and reach more clients, but we’ve also been able to volunteer more,” James shares. “We offer free or discounted rides to veterans and people who are homeless or in temporary housing—folks who really need help getting to a doctor or a dentist.”
The loan gave MediZoom more than just financial security. It gave James and Ariagna the freedom to serve their community in the way they always dreamed.
Why Camarillo?
James is quick to praise the city that helped his business take root. “Camarillo is really set up for people to be successful,” he says. “You just have to knock on the door.”
The Business Assistance Loan Fund is just one example of how the City of Camarillo and EDC are investing in local businesses. Whether someone is launching a new company or looking to scale an existing one, the city offers resources, mentorship, and community support that can make all the difference.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
To others considering starting a business in Camarillo, James offers simple but important advice: “Do your research. Know what you want to do and how you want to do it. But also—don’t be afraid to ask for help. The support is there.”
For James and his wife, building MediZoom was about more than just starting a company. It was about serving people with dignity, bringing their military experience into civilian life in a meaningful way, and finding a new mission after years of service.
With the help of the City of Camarillo and EDC, they’re doing just that—one ride at a time.
Want to learn more about the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund?
Visit our Resources page or connect with the Economic Development Collaborative to take the first step toward growing your business in Camarillo.