America’s SBDC Blog

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Blooming Success: How the SBDC Helped Taylor Flower Patch Grow

December 10, 2024

At Taylor Flower Patch, our story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of community support. I’m Jenny Campbell, co-owner of this beautiful flower farm nestled in the heart of Taylor, Mississippi, just south of Oxford. Today, I want to share how the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) transformed our dream into a thriving reality.

From Hobby to Business

Gardening has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s a way to connect with the earth and bring joy to others. When my husband and I purchased our property, we knew we wanted to create something special. With encouragement from my husband and sister, I began to see the potential of turning my love for flowers into a sustainable business.

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National Cybersecurity Alliance: Online Shopping

December 5, 2024

Online shopping may be convenient but it can present many opportunities for scammers and cybercriminals.

For many people, online shopping is simply “shopping.” Who can resist one-click ordering and next-day delivery? However, bad actors and cybercriminals may try to trick consumers into paying for goods that don’t exist or seek to capture personal information for financial gain.


You don’t need to abandon your cart, though. With some simple preventative measures, you can enjoy your online shopping spree with peace of mind.

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From PTSD to Prosperity: How Beekeeping Transformed this Disabled Combat Veteran’s Life

November 27, 2024

When Staff Sergeant Eric Grandon, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, returned home from multiple combat deployments, he was struggling with the debilitating effects of PTSD. Rather than let the stressors of war consume him, Grandon found solace and purpose in an unexpected place – the gentle hum of honeybees.

In 2014, Grandon founded Sugar Bottom Farm in the small town of Ovapa, West Virginia, starting with just two beehives. Along with his wife Mary and daughter Abigail, Grandon dove headfirst into the world of beekeeping, determined to use this newfound passion as a way to manage his PTSD.

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Honoring Veterans Day: How Gild Insurance Supports Veteran Entrepreneurs

November 20, 2024

As we celebrate Veterans Day, it’s a fitting time to honor the men and women who have served our nation and recognize the unique perspectives they bring to the business world. Veterans often enter civilian life equipped with resilience, discipline, and a sense of duty—qualities that make them exceptional entrepreneurs. At Gild Insurance, we understand that Veteran-owned businesses play a vital role in our economy, bringing innovation, dedication, and leadership to every industry. This Veterans Day, we’re proud to highlight how we support Veteran entrepreneurs with insurance solutions designed to protect their hard work and support their growth.

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Flying Leap Vineyards: A Veteran-Owned Winery Soaring to New Heights with SBDC Support

November 18, 2024

Flying Leap Vineyards is a remarkable success story of a veteran-owned small business taking flight in the Arizona wine industry. Founded in 2010 by three lifelong friends from the U.S. Air Force Academy – Mark Beres, Marc Moeller, and Tom Kitchens – the company has grown from a small-scale wine grape farming operation to a thriving winery and distillery, thanks in large part to the support of the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

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