America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

Lively Little Ones Fulfilling Childcare Need in Fayette County with West Virginia SBDC Assistance

April 29, 2026

When Amber Comer decided to expand her home-based childcare business into a full-fledged Early Learning Center, she knew she wanted to offer more than just daycare. She envisioned a place where children could grow and thrive in a supportive, hands-on educational environment. That vision became Lively Little Ones in Fayetteville.

“We try to, not just provide care, but a higher quality of care,” Comer says. “We want to make sure that we are following a curriculum and lesson plans, and teaching your children so that they can have a strong educational foundation and be prepared for when they start school.”

Comer’s journey in childcare began years earlier. After working in daycare centers as a teenager, she transitioned into entrepreneurship following the birth of her son. She spent four years as a home childcare provider before opening Lively Little Ones in September 2025 on Franklin Heights Road in Fayetteville, serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The center offers infant care, preschool, and toddler programs, as well as before- and after-school care and services during school breaks.

Beyond daily care, Comer and her team are committed to building community connections through monthly events and activities.

“We try at least once a month to do something fun and free for the community,” Comer says. “All of our teachers are very involved, and a lot of them are moms themselves. They want what’s best for the kiddos and want to help give back and offer a place where everyone can feel welcome.”

Small Business Support & Collaboration

Expanding from a home daycare to a full Early Learning Center was no small feat. Comer credits Melissa Colagrosso, director of A Place to Grow Children’s Center in nearby Oak Hill and leader of the regional childcare cooperative, Together We Grow, as a valuable industry resource and for connecting her with Shannon Mitchell, a business coach with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC).

“Amber has a true entrepreneurial spirit and is so motivated to move through a process, get things done, and do it the right way,” Mitchell describes.

From the earliest planning stages, the WV SBDC worked closely with the entrepreneur to provide one-on-one business coaching, technical assistance, and strategic guidance. This included:

  • Development of a comprehensive business plan
  • Startup cost analysis
  • Cash flow projections
  • Operational planning tailored specifically to the regulatory and staffing realities of childcare in West Virginia
  • Assembling a complete loan package
  • Direct referrals to financing partners to help move the project forward

“We helped her navigate through the process of funding and permits and just getting open, which is a huge hurdle for any entrepreneur to overcome,” Mitchell says. “Now it’s transitioned into managing a business, and I hope to continue supporting Amber in that way.”

“Both Shannon and Melissa have been very helpful; they’ve answered any questions I’ve had,” Comer describes. “I have been able to call them crying when I’m stressed or anxious about something, and they’re always reassuring and let me know that I’m still making steps in the right direction. Opening your own business is not easy, and there are a lot of unknowns, but when you have people like that by your side, it sure helps a lot.”

A Community Need

Lively Little Ones is currently the only childcare center located in Fayetteville. After the local Head Start relocated to Oak Hill, Comer saw an opportunity to help meet a growing demand for childcare services in a community where working families and employers have long faced limited options.

“We are helping to fill the gap,” Comer explains. “The community has been very welcoming, and I’m very glad to be here.”

As the business continues to grow, Comer remains focused on expanding enrollment and enhancing programming.

“We are about a third of the way enrolled right now,” she shares. “With summer coming, we can get some really cool programs and activities up and running, and we are excited to welcome new students.”

A Broader Impact

As Comer’s business coach, Mitchell is proud of the WV SBDC’s role in turning a community need into a sustainable success story.

Beyond the individual business success, Lively Little Ones represents a meaningful step forward in addressing one of the region’s most persistent economic development barriers: access to reliable, affordable childcare.

“There is such a need for childcare businesses like Lively Little Ones,” Mitchell says. “We cannot grow our workforce and provide jobs for families in need without businesses like hers. They’re essential to the growth of West Virginia.”

Are you looking for help in starting or growing your business? The WV SBDC assists entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of the business lifecycle. Learn more on their website.

More Than Just a Gym: How the Illinois SBDC at Harper College Supported a New Approach to Fitness

April 15, 2026

According to the CDC, 75% of Americans fail to meet the physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Every January, gyms fill with hopefuls chasing fresh-start resolutions. Yet by June, most fail their goals. Research shows that 50% of new gym members quit within six months, and 67% rarely use their memberships consistently. The reasons are familiar: lack of motivation, no clear plan, inconsistent routines, and little to no support. Furthermore, most traditional gyms emphasize intensity but often neglect any attention to restorative care. Without this necessary step, progress can stall and injuries are more likely. Factor in daily work and family responsibilities, and it’s no wonder that building and sustaining a healthy lifestyle often feels overwhelming.

Karlin Soelberg knows first-hand the challenges of maintaining health amidst a demanding career. She envisioned a facility that empowered people to achieve optimal health and vitality, leading her to establish Empowered Fitness & Recovery, LLC, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The wellness club was conceived to bridge the gap between intense fitness regimens and the often-overlooked importance of recovery. “Our mission is to provide a sanctuary where individuals can pursue their fitness goals while receiving the necessary support to recover, rejuvenate, and thrive,” Soelberg explains. Her holistic approach sets a path for success by focusing on three strategic pillars, fitness, nutrition, and accountability, while ensuring consistent support.

The club offers a synergistic blend of high-intensity training and advanced recovery services. The variety of fitness offerings ranges from group Body Pump, semi-private training, and boxing, to corporate, private, and semi-private yoga sessions, and recovery modalities include cold plunge, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. Soelberg is proud of the facility’s ability to cater to their clients’ needs, explaining, “What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a community that empowers individuals to achieve sustainable health and wellness.” To share this fitness philosophy with a global audience, Soelberg coauthored the “Get The Edge” series with Tony Figueroa. The three books in the series are “Fitness & Recovery Strategies for Peak Performance”, “Hormone Health for Women”, and “Fitness & Recovery Strategies for Teens”, all available on Amazon.

While Soelberg didn’t come from a traditional fitness background, her personal journey in overcoming injuries coupled with a passion for holistic health led her to this venture. What she lacked in formal fitness industry experience, she made up for with vision and drive, but as a first-time entrepreneur, launching a business from the ground up came with real challenges. Soelberg particularly needed guidance with navigating the complexities of financial projections and operations to bring her vision to fruition.

Soelberg worked with two advisors at the Illinois SBDC at Harper College, Margaret Johnsson and Kevin McVearry. Each played a pivotal role at different stages of her entrepreneurial journey.

Before Empowered Fitness & Recovery opened its doors, Johnsson supported Soelberg with promotional strategies for her book. As the focus shifted fully to launching the wellness club, their conversations turned to legal structure and ownership arrangements. Financial concerns such as compensation and commission structures were reviewed. Johnsson used LivePlan to model profitability based on different facility layouts. Together, they developed a comprehensive business plan tailored to the unique blend of fitness and recovery services Soelberg envisioned. While many entrepreneurs find the process of writing a business plan intimidating or tedious, Karlin embraced it as an essential step in bringing clarity and structure to her ideas. Beyond internal planning, the plan was submitted to potential landlords to secure a commercial lease for the space. Interestingly, Empowered opened in a different location than originally planned, proof of the importance of flexibility, foresight, and a solid planning process.

McVearry helped Soelberg fine-tune financial projections, evaluate service offerings, and calculate realistic startup and operational costs. They analyzed staffing requirements, considered pricing structures, and mapped out workflow logistics. McVearry reviewed her business plan and leases as she considered two different locations. He also conducted in-person walk-throughs of potential spaces alongside Soelberg, providing feedback on floor plan options, customer flow, and layout configurations. His advice helped translate vision into functionality, ensuring that the physical space would support both the day-to-day operations and long-term business goals.

Both Johnsson and McVearry continue their role as advisors as the business transitions from launch to growth phase. 

They provided invaluable support in refining our business plan, offering insights into financial projections, and advising on marketing strategies. Their expertise was instrumental in transforming our concept into a tangible, operational business.

Karlin Soelberg Tweet

Soelberg highly recommends the SBDC at Harper College to any entrepreneur, citing their invaluable resources and mentorship. “Their support can significantly impact the trajectory of a small business, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for success.”

Soelberg envisions a vibrant future for Empowered Fitness & Recovery, LLC, with plans to expand services and reach a broader audience. She intends to incorporate innovative wellness technologies and build partnerships that reflect the club’s mission and achieve their goal of becoming a leading authority in integrated fitness and recovery solutions. Her approach to entrepreneurship mirrors her philosophy on health – holistic, intentional, and rooted in long-term growth. For Soelberg, running a business isn’t just about profit, it’s about purpose.

Asked to share one piece of advice with aspiring business owners, she echoes her wellness mindset: “Embrace the journey with resilience and adaptability. Challenges are inevitable, but with a clear vision and the willingness to seek support, success is within reach.”

To learn more about the Illinois SBDC at Harper College, visit their website.

To learn more about Empowered Fitness & Recovery, visit their website. 

The University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network | Excargo Services: From Small Office to Industry Leader

April 1, 2026

Excargo Services Inc. began with a vision to fill a significant gap in the transportation industry. Marcia Faschingbauer, who took over her family’s business, transformed it from a small operation into a logistics powerhouse. Starting with just a small office, Faschingbauer focused on building a company based on safety, communication, and exceptional customer service. Over the years, Excargo has grown into a 195,000-square-foot facility near the Port of Houston, becoming an industry leader in container transport. 

“Excargo started because I saw a real need in the transportation industry. My family’s food business relied on exporting goods, and I experienced firsthand how unreliable container transport could be. I knew there had to be a better way,” Faschingbauer said. 

While expanding, Faschingbauer knew that modernizing operations and scaling the business required the right strategies and resources. This led her to the Houston Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She first connected with SBDC in 2002 to refine the company’s growth strategy and has received continuous support from them ever since. 

“The SBDC helped us navigate SBA funding options, secure financing for expansion, and refine our banking relationships to ensure continued growth—even during challenging times,” Faschingbauer said. 

Charles Capers, Faschingbauer’s SBDC Business Advisor, played an instrumental role in helping Excargo scale strategically, secure financing, and ensure long-term sustainability. 

“Excargo is a powerhouse in the transportation industry, and our role was to help them scale strategically,” Capers said. “We worked with Marcia to navigate financing, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability for the business.”

The SBDC has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us grow, secure funding, and create jobs, and I can’t recommend them enough!

Marcia Faschingbauer Tweet

In 2021, Excargo secured $6.3 million in commercial property financing, a move that directly contributed to an increase in revenue by $2.7 million. The company also created 75 new jobs. Faschingbauer credits much of this success to the support and guidance from the SBDC. 

“What sets us apart in the industry is that we’re not just moving cargo—we’re shaping the future of container transport. Safety, reliability, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do,” Faschingbauer said. “With the SBDC’s help, we’ve been able to expand our operations, grow our fleet, and stay ahead of industry trends.” 

As Excargo continues to grow, the focus remains on sustainability and efficiency. Faschingbauer and her team are looking ahead to expanding their reach, improving technology, and staying at the forefront of the logistics industry. 

“We’re continuing to invest in sustainability, efficiency, and smart logistics to keep up with industry demands. The future of transportation is changing, and we plan to be at the forefront,” Faschingbauer said. 

Excargo Services Inc. stands as a perfect example of how determination, strategic partnerships, and the right resources can elevate a small family business into an industry leader.  

“The SBDC has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us grow, secure funding, and create jobs, and I can’t recommend them enough!” Faschingbauer concluded.

Watch Marcia’s video testimonial to hear how Excargo’s partnership with the SBDC helped transform a small family business into a leading force in logistics.

Learn more about the Huston Small Business Development Center. 

With Support from SIUE SBDC, Embody Balance Entrepreneur Brings Holistic Health and Wellness to Edwardsville, IL

March 18, 2026

Ashley Baugh, entrepreneur and client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has successfully turned her lifelong dream into reality by launching Embody Balance in June 2024. Ashley Baugh, founder, Embody BalanceWith more than 20 years of experience as a holistic health practitioner and licensed massage therapist, Baugh has now created a unique business that blends her expertise in trauma-informed wellness education and somatic mental health therapy.

Baugh’s journey to full-time entrepreneurship was years in the making. She began her career as a massage therapist in Edwardsville, working part-time for over a decade. However, in 2014, she had to close her business when she moved out of state. After returning to Edwardsville nearly ten years later, Baugh was determined to relaunch her practice, combining her expertise in massage therapy with her background in public health and social work.

 

Baugh’s journey to entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. From navigating the legal requirements of her business to obtaining multiple professional licenses, she learned the complexities of running her own business. Baugh began working with SBDC at SIUE  in February 2024. Through the expert guidance of director Jo Ann Di Maggio May and the SBDC team, she received support with legal matters and business strategy, ensuring that Embody Balance started on the right foot.

“Starting my own business has been a dream come true, but it hasn’t been easy. The SBDC has been a valuable resource, guiding me through the legal and practical aspects of launching a business. Their support helped me turn my vision into reality,” says Baugh.

“It is great to see Ashley’s tenacity and hard work pay off. The SBDC and I are excited for her future and look forward to assisting Baugh further as she grows her business” says Di Maggio May.

Looking ahead, Baugh is excited to expand her offerings. She plans to host group workshops, focusing on health and wellness education. These workshops will provide a platform for people to learn about the mind-body connection, mindful awareness and practical self-care practices without committing to one-on-one sessions. Her goal is to make holistic health accessible to more people in the community.

Her new business, Embody Balance, offers a variety of services including massage therapy, bodywork, trauma-informed health education, cupping services for pain relief, talk therapy, and even somatic mental health therapy. “People can choose from a mix of these services or just one, depending on their needs,” says Baugh.

Embody Balance is located at 11 Ginger Creek Village Dr, Glen Carbon, IL. You can find them online on Facebook, PsychologyToday.com or reach them at (618) 477-7256.

Baugh’s story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of community support in making entrepreneurial dreams come true.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists entrepreneurs like Embody Balance, as well as existing business owners operating in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. SBDC enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses.

SBDC offices in Illinois are funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement among the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. To learn how these no-cost services may help your business venture, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

Forged in Tradition, Fueled by Innovation

March 11, 2026

150+ Years for W.H. Bagshaw Inc.

W.H. Bagshaw Inc., the oldest pin manufacturer in the U.S., is just getting started! 
Bagshaw history

The company was founded in 1870 in Lowell, MA, by Walter Henry Bagshaw. Recognizing a need in the textile industry, he brought a specialized pin-manufacturing technology from Europe to the U.S., a forward-thinking move that set the foundation for over 150 years of precision manufacturing.

Today, W.H. Bagshaw is proudly in its fifth generation of family leadership, with President Aaron Bagshaw and Vice President Adria Bagshaw at the helm.

With cutting-edge advanced technology and a skilled workforce, they uphold the same standards of dedication and quality that the company was founded on over 150 years ago. One of the oldest companies in New Hampshire, they’re a leading manufacturer of precision-machined components specializing in Swiss-style CNC turning for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defense, medical devices, electronics, and industrial automation.

A modern vision rooted in tradition

Having worked at Bagshaw (in sales on the West Coast) during grad school, Aaron stepped into a leadership role in the early 2000s while the company was going through a transition. With her own manufacturing experience and expertise, Adria joined the team to provide “temporary” assistance. And as so many temporary stories go… she hasn’t left since!

They first connected with the NH SBDC in 2008 as they were beginning the process of buying out a portion of the ownership. Their advisor, Hollis McGuire, provided them with expert guidance and surgeon-like precision as they navigated the purchase. 

Adria and Aaron were blown away by the effective, relevant, and tailored support of the SBDC. 

Hollis helped navigate loan packages as they obtained a bridge loan, foresaw problems, and offered deep experiential knowledge. Despite both having an MBA, Adria and Aaron share that it’s something “You don’t fully understand until you’ve gone through it a few times!” 

The next major challenge: COVID-19

During COVID, the Baghshaws, like many other companies, struggled to stay open while keeping their employees safe and comfortable. They relied heavily on the SBDC to keep them up to date on rules, data, and more. During the pandemic, W.H. Bagshaw didn’t just manage to keep their doors open, they stepped up. 

They produced essential ventilator components and experienced major growth. Hollis was by their side as they increased their workforce by 30% and added three new machines to meet the demand. The company didn’t just take off; it soared. Adria shares that the experience was, “Like sprinting off a cliff!”

A new chapter (or perhaps a new book entirely!)

At the height of their capacity with sales and production, they knew they needed to move to a larger facility. Having called Nashua’s Millyard home since 1949, they needed a building that could adapt to their growing vision as it took the company forward for decades to come. 

Hollis assisted by discussing and reviewing financing proposals, assessing the pros and cons of each, and providing recommendations along the way. She was also there to listen at every turn and help them make decisions on impactful details. They celebrated the opening of the newly renovated 40,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility in Hudson, NH, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, where Hollis joined their supportive community cheering them on in their success. 

The new facility gives them the capacity to grow and operate their machines with efficiency and precision. This directly impacts both sales and their employees, whom both Adria and Aaron are quick to praise for helping them achieve this milestone. 

Family and community at the forefront

Adria and Aaron have always strived for an impeccable company culture and uphold the values of family, empowerment, “make it happen”, courage, and perseverance. 

“Family is at the center of every decision we make.” 

Employees enjoy autonomy, trust, and even free healthcare. They recently added “gratitude” to their core values, fostering an even more collaborative spirit across the company. 

Looking ahead, with gratitude

Adria and Aaron share effusive thanks for the support of the NH SBDC and Hollis’ guidance over the years.

As they look to the future, Aaron and Adria are excited to invest in AI in order to digitize documentation and streamline operations. They’re renovating additional space, hiring new talent, and continually adapting to meet modern needs, all while staying true to the company’s historic roots.

“Make sure you have people in your corner who believe in you and are willing to fight for you,” says Adria. “That’s what the SBDC has been for us.”

Aaron and Adria are continuing a legacy as they reimagine and redefine what it means to be a manufacturing company in America today. With a firm foundation, a forward-thinking mindset, and the right partners, W.H. Bagshaw Company is poised for another century of innovation.