Success Stories

Success Story: Pennsylvania

• Kutztown University SBDC, Pennsylvania SBDC network
• Client: Zeigler Brothers, Inc.
• SBDC Consultant: Martin Brill

“We feel extremely honored and grateful to be recognized for our success in exporting. As a small business, we’ve been fortunate to have had the support of federal agencies such as SBA, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the support of local resources such as the Kutztown Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and World Trade Center of Harrisburg to assist us in our vision to expand globally.” – Matt Zeigler, Vice President of Operations, while accepting the SBA National Exporter of the Year award during World Trade Day in Denver

Impact of working with the Pennsylvania SBDC: Zeigler Bros Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned business specializing in the formulation and manufacture of specialty feeds. A Kutztown University SBDC client for more than 15 years, Zeigler Brothers has seen several years of remarkable growth and has recently been awarded for its achievements. (more…)

Success Story: Missouri

• St. Louis SBTDC, Missouri SBTDC network
• Client: M3 Engineering Group PC – SBTDC client since 2008
• SBTDC Consultants: Kevin Wilson (St. Louis SBTDC); Larry Dill (MO SBTDC International Trade Center); Greg Tucker (MO SBTDC)

“Kevin and his staff are extremely helpful, responsive and there for us when we need them most. They helped us obtain initial start-up funding from SBA and the Urban Enterprise Loan fund, and provided valuable training to help us navigate the murky waters of a small business start-up.” – Marjorie Melton, CEO and co-founder, M3 Engineering Group

Impact of working with the Missouri SBTDC: Secured capital funding (SBA, Urban Enterprise loans) of $545,000.00; doubled revenue from $1.2 million in 2012 to $2 million last year, and expect $2.5 million+ in 2015.

Read the whole story, and learn more about the Missouri SBTDC and the M3 Engineering Group.

Success Story: Pennsylvania

• Lock Haven SBDC, Pennsylvania SBDC network
• SBDC Consultant: Nicholas Lentz
• Client: Light Shield Products LLC – SBDC client since 2011

“We could not have been successful without the SBDC’s support, business connections, and excellent service” – Steve Brion, Owner and CEO of Light Shield Products LLC

Impact of working with the Pennsylvania SBDC: Steve credits the SBDCs’ assistance directly in helping Light Shield to obtain the investments necessary to turn his idea into a reality. Sales of the new Level Light product began with its launch in May, 2013, and new jobs have been created in sales, marketing and accounting. (more…)

Success Story: South Carolina

• Rock Hill Area SBDC, South Carolina SBDC network
• SBDC Consultants: Larry Stephens and Carol Daly
• Clients: Greg and Sabrina Collier, The Yolk Café – SBDC clients since 2013

“The Rock Hill Area SBDC was, and still is, one of the most essential components of the success of our restaurant.” Greg Collier, Chef and Owner, The Yolk Café, Rock Hill, SC

Impact of working with the South Carolina SBDC: General guidance and marketing. “Carol and Larry provided us with marketing tips particularly with our website and the social media we already had going. They also helped us find an accountant,” Collier said. One of the things that he found most helpful was the encouragement to take small steps and make small investments that can help their business grow over time. “Larry helped us to stay grounded, as well as motivated,” Collier recalled.

Read the whole story, and learn more about the South Carolina SBDC and The Yolk Café.