Success Story: Idaho

As Derek & Sophia Bates began seriously talking about their long-imagined dream of owning a bakery, a memory of a visit to the Great Harvest Bread Co. in Logan came back to them. They sent for an information packet and decided Great Harvest was a good fit.

Derek and Sophia began the application process and in May, 2012 were offered a franchise in Twin Falls. The Bates family moved to Twin Falls and began the journey of getting the bakery started.

After getting settled, the real fun began. They had applied to many banks in town and were turned down due to the fact that a Great Harvest had closed 10 years earlier.

The Idaho SBDC helped them develop a business plan and obtain a small loan that sealed the deal of obtaining a loan from Banner Bank. Thanks to the Idaho SBDC’s involvement, they were able to move forward.

The business opened in September, 2013. They were able to pay off the SBA just four months after opening, and they continue growing.

Learn more about the Idaho SBDC and the Twin Falls, Idaho Great Harvest Bread Co.