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Entrepreneur Found Calling, Now Calling on Others

August 7, 2015
Oregon-SBDC-FranNet-SuccessSandy, Oregon Woman Opens Oasis Senior Advisors with Help from the SBDC and FranNet

As many people do, Breanna Nickila geared her education toward a career in corporate America. After starting on her MBA, however, she began to realize her life might point in another direction, as the allure of business ownership and the struggle to find a quality job in eastern Portland created a new opportunity. Ultimately, her path landed her as one of the newest franchisees with Oasis Senior Advisors, a senior care advising company.

Nickila, a graduate of Portland State University, initially delayed her leap into the entrepreneurial world as she stayed at home for 11 years to raise her daughter. What she realized is that corporate life had changed and that her true calling was that of a business owner.  (more…)

Washing Cars… Protecting the Environment

August 3, 2015
Simple-Car-WashSuccess Story: Pennsylvania

Impact of working with the Penn State SBDC: In March of 2014, Taylor Mitcham reached out to the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) by stopping in at their on-campus walk-in office to discuss her business idea for a waterless car wash.

The SBDC helped Taylor navigate the maze of legal and tax issues that she would need to address. She formed a Limited Liability Company and obtained an Employer Identification Number and a Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax License.

Taylor officially launched Simple Car Wash in July, 2014, offering her services to other Penn State students and residents in the State College area. Since there is no brick-and mortar storefront, she needed to be creative in ways to market her business. (more…)

25-Year Serviceman Grows Business and Community, While Serving Fellow Veterans

July 27, 2015
Louisiana SBDC Success StorySuccess Story: Louisiana

“If you’re looking for real business growth, I encourage you to attend the LSBDC seminars and bring a pen, paper and an open mind.” – Troy Downs, Owner of Downs Enterprise

Impact of working with the Louisiana SBDC: Downs Enterprise offers consulting, logistics and other business services. It has assisted in starting and managing over 25 successful businesses, created over 50 jobs, and counseled over 100 people through the various products Downs Enterprise has to offer. During the course of all of these achievements, Troy Downs has found a way to extend a helping hand to veterans in the community. And because of his business and community impact and success, the LSBDC nominated Downs Enterprise for the 2015 Veterans Business Outreach Centers Excellence in Service Award, which was presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration at an awards reception held at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion in May.

Read the whole story, and learn more about Downs Enterprise and the Louisiana SBDC.

Building A Community, While Building A Business

July 13, 2015
The-BearSuccess Story: Iowa

“Kelly lent tremendous expertise and provided resources and support as we were creating a business plan and searching for best practices.” – Leann and David Jacobsen, Owners of the The Bear Coffeehouse + Wine Bar

Impact of working with the Northwest Iowa SBDC: With an incredible amount of community support and some help from Kelly McCarty, director of the Northwest Iowa SBDC, Leann and David were able to create The Bear. Kelly assisted the experienced business owners by helping with market research, financial planning and loan applications.

Read the whole story, and learn more about the Iowa SBDC and The Bear Coffeehouse + Wine Bar.

From Business Planning Class… To Event Planning Business

June 26, 2015
Majestic EstateSuccess Story: Iowa

•  Southeastern Iowa SBDC
•  SBDC Counselor: Janine Clover
•  Client: Majestic Estate, LLC – SBDC client since 2014

“When you start a business you don’t know what you need in terms of permits, licensing, and forms. The SBDC is a great guidance . . .” — Tammy Adams, co-owner, with sister Lorraine Guerra, of Majestic Estate, LLC.

Impact of working with the Iowa SBDC: The sisters took a business plan writing class offered by Janine Clover, director of the Southeastern SBDC in Burlington. With her guidance, they were able to put together a detailed business plan that they entered into the 2015 Des Moines County Business Plan Competition in May. Lorraine and Tammy were the overall winners of the competition and received a $5,000 seed capital grant intended to support their company’s start‐up costs.

Read the whole story, and learn more about Majestic Estate, LLC and the Iowa SBDC.