America’s SBDC Blog

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Success Story: Florida

March 12, 2015
BioDerm
  • BioDermFlorida SBDC at the University of South Florida (FSBDC at USF)
  • SBDC Counselor: Selma Canas, Certified International Trade Specialist
  • Client: BioDerm, SBDC client since 2010

“When we got our first export plan, we were absolutely thrilled with it. The data in it was incredible. The report was so detailed and had so much information and research. It took our product and lined it up with all of the other countries. We were very impressed with it.” – Wendy LaTorre, Chief Strategy Officer, BioDerm

Impact of working with the SBDC: With the research and data in the customized Export Marketing Plan that BioDerm received from the Florida SBDC at USF, in addition to expanding their efforts in Britain and the Netherlands, BioDerm chose to pursue Canada, Germany and Japan. (more…)

Celebrating National Women’s History Month

March 9, 2015
From the Google Small Business Community

We’re excited to take part in National Women’s History Month this March. The 2015 theme – “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives” – celebrates the impact that women-owned small businesses have on our culture and economy. Women have been a force in American business for generations, from Henrietta Johnston – the first professional American female artist in 1707 – to the eight million female business owners in the United States today.

Women continue to make a positive impact across many industries. Check out a few of our member spotlights on female small business owners including:

  • Pastabilities: An Italian restaurant in Syracuse, NY;
  • Red Chair Salon: A salon started by a hairstylist who grew from apprentice to owner in five years;
  • Jackalope Brewing: A brewery founded by two friends combining their passions; and
  • LSTN: A headphone company that pays it forward with every product it sells.

(more…)

Success Story: Washington State

March 2, 2015
Advisor Helps Business Continue as a Community Cornerstone

Washington State Success StoryWashington State, Economic Alliance for Okanogan County SBDC
Lew Blakeney, SBDC Advisor
NAPA Auto Parts Store, Twisp, WA, SBDC client since 2005

“He answered all of our questions and a lot more. It was really nice to have someone to walk us through it.” — Dwain Hutson, owner of NAPA Auto Parts, Twisp, WA

Impact of Working with the SBDC: Dwain Hutson, a NAPA store employee for nearly 30 years, was able to purchase the business with his wife in 2008 after working on financials with their SBDC advisor for several years. The Hutsons continued to work with their SBDC advisor and were able to purchase the building in January, 2015. (more…)

5 Ways To Increase Your Productivity

February 25, 2015
From the Google Small Business Community

As a small business owner, you juggle a lot of daily tasks. Making a concrete plan to achieve them can help you stay productive throughout the day. In addition to starting your day right with a morning ritual, increase your productivity by setting limits on meetings, and using technology and apps to streamline your business.

5 Ways to Increase Your ProductivityStart your day right with a quick agenda overview

Do you check your email or your calendar first thing in the morning? Why not do both at the same time? Mentally prepare for the day with a quick snapshot of your daily tasks every morning by having Google Calendar email you a snapshot of your full agenda at 5 a.m. Do this by accessing the Reminders and Notifications menu, and checking the box next to Daily Agenda. First access the Reminders and Notifications menu and then check the box next to Daily Agenda.

Be alerted of interruptions to your commute before you leave

Once you’ve set up your commute destinations in Google Maps, Google Now (part of the Google Search app) will send you a notification with real-time traffic updates, including incidents, before you hit the road. You can even sync Google Now with your Calendar to get traffic updates before your meetings, and make sure you’re not late for appointments with your vendors and customers.  (more…)

Success Story: Alaska

February 23, 2015
Knik Tire & AutoKnik Tire & Auto

– SBDC: Alaska, Mat-Su Valley SBDC
– SBDC Counselor: Julie Nolen
– Client: Knik Tire & Auto, SBDC client since 2014

“Working with the SBDC in Wasilla has been an enjoyable and invaluable learning experience. Julie Nolen has been a tremendous support and assisted us with so many things that we were very unfamiliar with as new business owners (how to advertise, how to register the business, how to obtain business license, how to work with QuickBooks, and the list goes on!). (more…)