Success Stories

In 1998 Eli Valenzuela was an upholsterer at Dover Air Force, also doing freelance work repairing upholstery at local restaurants.   When their son Simon was diagnosed with autism, Eli and his wife Sher realized that her job as a newspaper reporter and his at the Air Force base would not provide what was needed for his treatment. So they created First State Manufacturing in order to build a business that could.  But before they quit their jobs to turn all their energies to the new venture, they did their homework, turning to the Small Business Development Center for guidance on business planning, financing and the myriad details necessary launch a successful business. As the business grew they have returned many times to the SBDC for feedback and advice on new opportunities.

Quickly realizing that government contracting had significant potential for the growing firm, the SBDC introduced them to its brand new PTAC right after it opened in 1999. First State Manufacturing was the PTAC’s 2^nd client and is an active client to this day, recording over 182 awards totaling over $20,000,000.00.  One key to initial growth was obtaining 8a status, a grueling one year process involving much work by the Valenzuelas and their PTAC advisors.  (more…)

America’s SBDC congratulates Richard Jackson, Statewide Advisory Council member and Las Cruces business owner, for being selected as one of six finalists nationwide for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Person of the Year Award.

NMSBDC State Director Russell Wyrick said Jackson, who was also selected as New Mexico’s SBA Small Business Person of the Year, exemplifies the valuable work that SBDCs do.

“Mr. Jackson was an entrepreneur who saw a need in his community, had no prior background in his industry, but worked diligently to build a company that now covers Southern New Mexico and employs nearly two dozen people,” Wyrick said. “It’s that can-do spirit that NMSBDC nurtures and aids to strengthen small business and create jobs.”  (more…)

Moriches Boat & Motor is a full service boat yard, marina, and new and used boat and motor dealer located in East Moriches, New York. It has operated under its current name for 51 years. During Super Storm Sandy the building and property received record flood damage with over three and one-half feet of water affecting the inside of the building which houses a retail parts showroom, general offices and motor repair shops.

The flooding caused one building wall directly facing the bay to move from its foundation and a second wall which contained floor to ceiling windows to ‘blow out’. This allowed water, with wave action, to enter the building and “churn” the contents. All of the major systems were lost. This included the phone system, electricity distribution, boat handling machinery, a section of floating dock, gas storage tank and gas pump, shop tools, mechanics’ tools, office furniture, marine parts for resale, and the most irreplaceable item of all, a technical library containing engine service manuals from 1955 to present.  (more…)

OKSBDC clients Brett Bain and Brian Edwards, Co-Founders of Fair Wind, LLC, have been named 2015 Small Business Person of the Year, according to the Oklahoma District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The Lawton business was assisted by the OKSBDC International Trade Center Advisor Justin Hazzard, located at the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade and Development at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.  Hazzard assisted Fair Wind with improved import capabilities and acquiring new capital for heavy machinery.

“We want to offer our congratulations to Fair Wind on their selection as the Small Business Person of the Year and pleased we could provide services through OKSBDC that could enhance their ability to utilize their domestic and international market while expanding business,”  said State Director Bill Carter.  “This is just an example of the high level of expertise and experience our OKSBDC staff provides to our clients and indicative of the difference we can make for a small business.”  (more…)

America’s SBDC is excited to announce that the Louisiana SBDC center at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, and six SBDC clients from around the country, will be acknowledged and awarded at this year’s National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week honors America’s 28 million small businesses and their entrepreneurial, innovative and resilient spirit that serves as the backbone of the American economy.

“This year’s winners are dynamic trailblazers in their respective small business fields, contributing to their local economies and providing good jobs in their communities. It is an honor to celebrate their hard work and success,” said Maria Contreras-Sweet, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Small Business Development Centers don’t just help entrepreneurs and growing businesses — they help create success, they help people realize their dreams. SBDC impact can be seen in the number of businesses starting and growing and creating jobs all across America. National recognition of our clients’ success is just the icing on the cake. At America’s SBDC we are proud to represent a national network that does such great work, and especially proud of all the winners and finalists,” said Charles “Tee” Rowe, America’s SBDC President & CEO.  (more…)