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How Frontier Flame Turned a Family Recipe into a Thriving Glendo Restaurant

January 21, 2026

In the heart of Glendo, Wyoming, a culinary dream fueled by family and a dash of green chili was realized from the shared vision of Michelle Belt, her mother Zenda Lange, and her sister Ashley Durand. Frontier Flame opened its doors in April 2024.

“My mom has always wanted her own restaurant,” Michelle explains. “She has been a chef for over 30 years. She has managed many restaurants around Wyoming and Colorado and in March 2024 she was asked by one of the local business owners if she wanted to lease their restaurant. She was so excited! She asked my sister and I if we would like to be a part of this new business. We agreed and my mom signed the contract with them.”

Soon after, Frontier Flame relocated. “The owner of Kim’s Place asked us if we would be interested in buying her restaurant,” Michelle says. “We knew buying our own place would be better for us in the long run. So, we bought the restaurant.”

Initially, navigating the seasonal rhythms of a tourist town presented its challenges. “Trying to decide what the best business hours would be with a small staff has been a challenge,” Michelle says. Through trial and error, Frontier Flame has found their rhythm. Each member of the team brings unique skills to the table: Zenda’s renowned culinary expertise, Ashley’s seasoned bartending skills, and Michelle’s diverse background and entrepreneurial drive.

Before Frontier Flame, Michelle Belt had aspirations of business ownership. Seeking more information about the process, she met with Steen Stovall at the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. “Steen was extremely helpful! He helped me with market research for a laundromat, writing a business plan, and gave me information about business licenses,” Michelle recalls.

The Wyoming SBDC Network came back into the picture for the family’s new restaurant and proved to be a beneficial resource for the business. “From information on LLC’s to social media advice, the services and resources provided by the SBDC has been a blessing! The market research was a big help.” Michelle says of her work with Steen and the SBDC team. “There is a comfort in knowing that if I am having trouble solving a problem, that they will be there to help me solve it.”

Frontier Flame has received great reviews, and they plan to expand their business soon using the business’ secret ingredient: Zenda’s legendary homemade green chili. “My mom Zenda has developed an excellent green chili recipe over the years. We have plans to ‘can’ it and sell it in stores,” Michelle shares.

Michelle also envisions Frontier Flame expanding to multiple locations and diversifying her own entrepreneurial portfolio with other businesses. As for advice to other entrepreneurs, she emphasizes the importance of having a strong team. “You can be the hardest working person, but you can’t do it all.

Learn more about Frontier Flame here.

Learn more about Wyoming SBDC Network here.

How Business Mentorship Sparked 300% Growth for Smugglers Cove Flagging

January 14, 2026

SPOKANE, Wash.—Vicki Hebert, owner of Smugglers Cove Flagging and a client of the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) since 2020, has been named the SBA Seattle District Rural Business of the Year. Hebert will be honored at the Small Business Gala on May 7 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

Smugglers Cove Flagging, which opened in 2017, now employs nearly a dozen people and provides flaggers, traffic control supervisors, flagger trucks and signs, traffic control plans, permitting and emergency services. Hebert is also a certified flagging instructor.

“Vicki Hebert and Smugglers Cove Flagging are an extraordinary choice for the SBA Seattle District Rural Business of the Year,” said Sheryl McGrath, state director of the Washington SBDC. “Vicki truly exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that defies the odds and continues to fight for a better future for her family and her community.”

Hebert had more than a decade of experience as a flagger before she stepped back from that work to focus on raising her small children. In 2016, with her children older, Hebert got back into flagging, with a dream of opening her own small business.

Smugglers Cove Flagging was still in its early days when, in 2018, Hebert was injured on the job in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and nerve damage that made walking or even sitting unendurable. Her recovery, which included managing debilitating PTSD and depression, took precedence for the next several years, but she never gave up her dream of running her own small business.

Hebert said she used to believe that success meant having money, a college education, nice clothes and a big house. “Now,” she said, “I think success is just not giving up.”

When Hebert started working with the SBDC, she already had the experience, knowledge and certifications she needed to do flagging and traffic control, but she wasn’t an expert on starting and running a small business. That’s where the SBDC came in.

During COVID, while still unable to leave her home, she began attending online webinars presented by the Washington SBDC on topics such as website design and L&I compliance.

Then, in March 2023, she reached out to the SBDC for one-to-one advising and began meeting with SBDC advisor Janet Toth.

Hebert responded to a survey request after that first meeting by writing, “I cannot believe how hopeful I felt after my first meeting with my SBDC counselor. She had information and connections to resources and tools that are unimaginable. I can continue growing my business with more confidence and help. I believe she is the perfect counselor for me.”

Hebert met with Toth for more than a year before Toth left the SBDC and Hebert was matched with SBDC advisor SharonAnn Hamilton, who nominated Hebert for the SBA award.

Working with Hamilton, Hebert identified her strengths and weaknesses as a business owner and strategized the growth of the business.

“SharonAnn, she is such a blessing,” Hebert said. “They say the teachers come when the student’s ready, and I was ready.”

While the business originated in the San Juan Islands, Hebert has grown the company to serve Whatcom and Cowlitz counties, as well as the Olympic Peninsula. While staffing fluctuates depending on the contracts, she has about a dozen part-time employees. Company revenue has increased more than 300 percent.

“Having someone believe in me, to help me believe in myself, and guide me through this process has been amazing,” Hebert said.

As someone who first started flagging just out of high school, Hebert is committed to empowering workers in rural communities through training and education. As a Washington state certified flagger instructor, she has trained more than 700 flaggers. She believes that the training and lessons learned while flagging extend far beyond traffic control and can truly open up a world of opportunities.

“We are a second chance company,” she said. It’s not just that some of the people she hires have suffered setbacks, but that the work itself reinforces critical skills like being aware of your surroundings, setting boundaries and saying no. She often tells new employees, “I want you to leave here feeling better about yourself than when you came.”

The Washington SBDC is a network of more than 40 business advisors working in communities across the state to help small business owners and entrepreneurs start, grow or buy/sell a business. SBDC advisors assist clients in just about any industry and at any stage of business development. SBDC services are provided at no cost to the business owner and are completely confidential.

The Washington SBDC is part of a national SBDC program known as the America’s SBDC and is managed by a cooperative agreement between Washington State University and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). About half the funding for SBDC services is from the SBA and the other half is from multiple state and local funding partners, including the Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State University, other institutions of higher education, economic development agencies and civic and business groups.

For more about Smugglers Cove Flagging, go here.

For more about the Washington SBDC, go to wsbdc.org.

Crepes in the Park’s Transition to Independent Ownership

January 7, 2026

Maryland SBDC — When Abby Larkin, owner of Crepes in the Park, decided to part ways with the a crepes franchise and operate independently, she reached out to the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance. This decision marked a significant milestone for Abby, who had been running the Severna Park franchise since 2013. Transitioning to independent ownership allowed her to reimagine her business, offering locally inspired crepes and a cozy dining experience tailored to her vision and the community’s needs.

Through her engagement with SBDC and the Maryland Business Opportunity Center (MBOC), Abby received extensive support in her relaunch efforts. SBDC Consultant, Dr.Candace Pruett provided strategic insights into marketing, website development, human resources, and business considerations to ease Abby’s transition. The services and guidance Abby received included:

Relaunch Strategy and Marketing Support: Abby collaborated with design experts referred by MBOC, who assisted her with developing marketing materials. Candace also advised Abby on effective strategies for updating her social media and Google business accounts to maintain her established customer base during the relaunch.

Human Resources and Employee Support: MBOC facilitated Abby’s partnership with SherrieBrown, an HR expert, who helped craft an employee handbook tailored to Abby’s business and hiring needs.

Technical and Operational Assistance: With the assistance of SBDC and MBOC, Abby received referrals to specialists for her website development and digital marketing needs. This enabled her to replace the franchise’s website with a modern, functional site optimized for online ordering—a crucial feature for her thriving takeout business.

Community Engagement and Event Planning: As a capstone to her journey, Abby and the local Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 30, 2024, celebrating her transformation from a franchisee to an independent business owner. This event represents both Abby’s personal achievement and the positive impact of SBDC’s support on local businesses in Severna Park.

Crepes in the Park now stands as a proud, community-oriented establishment under Abby’s independent vision. By offering quality products and personalized service, Abby is committed to enriching Severna Park with a business that is both local and customer-focused, thanks to the support and resources from SBDC and MBOC.

For more informationa bout Crepes in the Park, please visit https://crepesinthepark.com/.

For more information about Maryland SBDC, visit www.marylandsbdc.org.

Launching Whole Soul Consulting: How Rev. Jessica Boyce Found Business Confidence

December 31, 2025

For Rev. Jessica Boyce, the launch of Whole Soul Consulting in March 2025 was the culmination of 15 years of ministry and a deep-seated desire to be a healing force in the community. As a charitable corporation focused on providing guidance for those who have experienced religious trauma, Whole Soul Consulting fills a unique and vital need in Wyoming.

Rev. Boyce earned her Masters in Divinity and specialized certifications, and has an extensive background as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. This experience has uniquely qualified her as a leader and resource for individuals and families seeking a healthier, happier future.

The journey into entrepreneurship, however, presented new challenges. “With this new venture, I had to look at my strengths and weaknesses in new ways,” Rev. Boyce explains. “The places where I didn’t have the natural gifts, like finances, had to be supplemented in ways I hadn’t needed to explore before. It’s ok to not be great at everything, you just have to be honest about those qualities, and find people who do have that strength to work alongside you.”

To navigate these challenges, Rev. Boyce turned to the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network where she found practical guidance and a sense of reassurance.

“I was so nervous,” Rev. Boyce explains, “and I left each meeting with Steen Stovall (Regional Director) with a to-do list, feeling empowered to accomplish them. This was especially true with regulations, business licenses, insurance, etc.”

Beyond the foundational elements, Rev. Boyce benefited from the SBDC’s expertise in online presence. “The (Market Research) group did the full website analysis for me, which was great but totally overwhelming,” she shares. “(They) went through it page by page with me, and that was fantastic. It helped me to understand how to communicate my message online. I had to change about everything, but it was good!” she shares. “Starting a business is hard and scary. Every empowering, positive, and informative resource available should be used.”

While Whole Soul Consulting is still in its early stages, Rev. Boyce is taking steps to build for the future and encourages others who are on the fence to take the chance. “In this process, I’ve learned that I am stronger and braver than I thought,” she says. “There is a great community of small business owners who are encouraging and want to welcome others into this little club.”

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to remember patience and self-compassion. “Spend lots of time thinking and dreaming and exploring options. Take time to let it all fall into place. It’s a journey, and it has ups and downs, but give yourself grace to learn and ask questions.”

The entrepreneurial journey has also offered unexpected connections. “It has been wonderful meeting people that I otherwise would not have encountered.” Rev. Boyce explains. “Being fairly new to Casper, this journey has allowed me to get to know the community better, understand its needs, and discern how I can positively contribute to it.”

Looking ahead, Rev. Boyce is optimistic. “In five years, I hope my practice is thriving, and I’m still learning and connecting to the community in meaningful ways.”

To learn more about Whole Soul Consulting, visit: https://wholesoulconsulting.com/

To learn more about Wyoming SBDC, visit: https://wyomingsbdc.org/

Census Bureau Releases New Data About Characteristics of Employer and Nonemployer Business Owners

December 24, 2025

The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data about the sex, race, ethnicity, veteran status and other characteristics of U.S. business owners. For the first time, the release also includes estimates of employer firms by owner characteristics, industry sector and congressional district.

The data come from two sources: the Annual Business Survey (ABS), which covers employer businesses (those with paid employees), and the Nonemployer Statistics by Demographics (NES-D), which covers nonemployer businesses (those without paid employees). Together, they provide the most complete picture yet of U.S. business owner demographics.

Highlights (2024 ABS, covering reference year 2023, and 2023 NES-D)

In 2023, there were 36.4 million U.S. employer and nonemployer businesses, with $50.0 trillion in receipts.
Women owned 14.2 million of all U.S. businesses, with $2.8 trillion in receipts.
Veterans owned 1.6 million of all U.S businesses, with $1.0 trillion in receipts.

Employer Businesses (2024 ABS)

According to the 2024 ABS, which covers reference year 2023, there were approximately 5.9 million U.S. employer firms — 1.4 million (22.9%) were owned by women and 261,000 (4.4%) by veterans.

This release also includes demographic data by urban and rural classification, employment size, receipt size, and each firm’s number of years in business:

White-owned firms made up 80.6% (4.8 million) of employer businesses, with receipts of $17.0 trillion.
Asian-owned firms accounted for 11.5% (685,000) of employer businesses, with receipts of $1.2 trillion.
Hispanic-owned firms accounted for 8.4% (496,000) of employer businesses and had $730.3 billion in receipts.
Black or African American-owned firms accounted for 3.4% (201,000) of employer businesses, with receipts of $249.0 billion.
American Indian or Alaska Native-owned firms accounted for 0.9% (55,000) of employer businesses, with $70.8 billion in receipts.
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander-owned firms accounted for 0.2% (9,000) of employer businesses, with $13.1 billion in receipts.

The ABS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation’s National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) and conducted jointly with the Census Bureau. It measures research and development for microbusinesses, innovation and technology, and provides annual data on select economic and demographic characteristics of businesses and business owners by sex, ethnicity, race and veteran status. The NCSES is set to release more data on research and development and innovation in the coming months.

Nonemployer Businesses (2023 NES-D)

According to the new 2023 NES-D there were 30.4 million U.S. nonemployer businesses, with $1.8 trillion in receipts. Women owned 12.9 million (42.3%) of them and had $423.1 billion in receipts, and veteran-owned firms made up about 1.4 million (4.5%) of nonemployer businesses, with $65.7 billion in receipts.

Other highlights:

In 2023, White-owned firms made up 73.6% (22.4 million) of nonemployer businesses, with receipts of $1.3 trillion.
Hispanic-owned firms accounted for 17.5% (5.3 million) of nonemployer businesses and had $244.2 billion in receipts.
Black or African American-owned firms accounted for 14.4% (4.4 million) of nonemployer businesses, with receipts of $128.7 billion.
Asian-owned firms accounted for 9.2% (2.8 million) of nonemployer businesses, with receipts of $163.6 billion.
American Indian or Alaska Native-owned firms accounted for 1.2% (378,000) of nonemployer businesses, with $15.5 billion in receipts.
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander-owned firms accounted for 0.3% (102,000) of nonemployer businesses, with $4.4 billion in receipts.

This release also includes business owners’ urban and rural classification, receipt size of firm, and legal form of organization (e.g., sole proprietorships and partnerships).

The NES-D is an annual series that uses existing administrative records and decennial census data to link business owners’ demographic characteristics to the universe of nonemployer businesses.

The nonemployer universe is comprised of businesses with annual receipts of at least $1,000 that file federal income tax. For more information on the methods used to assign demographic characteristics to nonemployer businesses, refer to the NES-D methodology.

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