America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

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!

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.

How Grammy’s Town Created a New World of Play in Alexandria, MN

January 28, 2026

After 29 years of running a daycare, one Alexandria, Minnesota entrepreneur knew it was time for a new chapter—but Chris Svee wasn’t ready to leave behind the joy and creativity of working with children. Inspired by her granddaughter Skyla (and daughter Bri), she began dreaming up a place where kids could play, imagine, and explore freely. That dream became Grammy’s Town, an indoor imaginative play space and birthday party venue that officially opened its doors in June 2025.

The idea started modestly: a plan to build a small play space in her basement after closing her daycare. But her vision grew quickly, fueled by late-night research, online videos, and conversations with her family. “I told my husband I wanted to create Grammy’s Town,” she said. “And he told me to put together a business plan and take it to the bank. I don’t think he thought I was serious—but I was.”

She dove headfirst into research, gathering ideas from national indoor play café experts and shaping her concept. But when it came to the financial side, especially understanding spreadsheets, pricing models, and revenue projections, she hit a wall. That’s when Nicole Fernholz, Director for Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission referred her to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

“The numbers overwhelmed me,” she shared. “I had always just tallied receipts by hand when I did daycare, but now I needed to understand things like cash flow and pricing. The SBDC helped me make sense of it all.”

Chris worked closely with SBDC consultant Calvin Guyer who broke down the financials step-by-step and created custom spreadsheets she could understand and use. The no-fee support was a major help, especially as she was trying to be careful with startup costs. “It was such a relief,” she said. “I would get a spreadsheet and actually understand it. That gave me the confidence to move forward.”

Since opening, Grammy’s Town continues to grow and evolve. Chris watches how children use the space and makes thoughtful changes—like relocating a reading corner to a quieter area or adding a pretend police station. Her mission is simple: create a space where kids can be curious, playful, and imaginative.

One moment that stood out? A young girl walked in for the first time, looked around in awe, and said, “I have a place like this where I live, but yours is much better.” The child had visited a similar play café in The Cities—but preferred Grammy’s Town. “That just stuck with me,” Chris said. “We had actually visited that same place during our research. To hear that feedback meant the world.”

Though her husband still jokes that he doesn’t quite get how people will pay to play when there’s a free playground nearby, Chris knows the answer: community, creativity, and connection. And with the continued support of the SBDC, Chris knows she’s not on this journey alone. “Even now that I’m open, they’re still helping—offering ideas for marketing and growth. I would highly, highly recommend the SBDC to anyone starting a small business.”

To learn more about Grammy’s Town, click here

To Learn more about West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center, click here.

Hand In Hand Secures Nearly $3M Grant to Expand Childcare Access Across Lewis County

December 3, 2025

Jenniffer Bleakley and her Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center applied for a NYS Office of Children and Family Services state grant, which was awarded to expand her childcare center. After receiving the grant award, it was rescinded and taken back after a technicality. At this time, she and her team had already started planning her business expansion and were working towards offering more childcare to Lewis County residents. 

Continue reading

 


nTechQuity: How an Intergenerational Program is Closing the Digital Divide

October 8, 2025

In her former information technology roles, Todd Rennae Boone witnessed a wide digital divide. “I worked with young people in marginalized communities,” she explained. “What struck me was that the only difference in learning wasn’t their ability, but the resources to which they had access.” 

Fueled by a desire to bridge this gap, Todd launched nTechQuity Community Learning, a unique initiative fostering intergenerational learning. At nTechQuity, she matches tech-savvy kids up with not-so-tech-savvy seniors, and the knowledge shared and the relationships forged are transformative.

Continue reading

 


Brewing Connection and Community at Java Moon

October 1, 2025

When Megan Cook acquired Java Moon in December 2021, her intention was to preserve the cherished legacy of the historic business in downtown Sheridan, while infusing it with a dynamic energy to propel it forward. For years, Megan had dreamed of owning a business downtown with a communal ambience. “I wanted to create a welcoming vibe where people can come to gather, to meet with friends and enjoy great food,” she explains. The menu at Java Moon ranges from made-from-scratch pastries to hearty lunch options and bespoke catering.

Continue reading