Expanding its Exhibit Market Internationally – #SBDC Client Showcase

February 11, 2019

FLEXHIBIT (FLEXHIBIT.com)
Countdown to the 2019 Client Showcase: #2

SBDC: Washington SBDC, Spokane (wsbdc.org)
SBDC Advisor: Vern Jenkins and Duane Fladland.

FLEXHIBIT is an exhibit manufacturing company that provides innovative, engaging, and high-quality STEM exhibits to Science Centers and Children’s Museums. With help from the Washington SBDC, FLEXHIBIT has successfully expanded its market internationally.

The company’s exhibits work with a portable, modular wall system called FlexWall, which allows customers to switch out inspiring STEM exhibits in a highly affordable manner, with quick turnaround times. Mounting on modular wall systems means you can rotate FLEXHIBIT exhibits – they can be swapped out in hours for new exhibits that can be arranged in a variety of patterns, which helps the science center or children’s museum stay relevant to its visitors. (more…)

Exploring International Export Markets for American Beer – #SBDC Client Showcase

February 10, 2019

Port City Brewing Company (portcitybrewing.com | @portcitybrew)
Countdown to the 2019 Client Showcase: #3

SBDC: Virginia SBDC, International Business Development Program (virginiasbdc.org)
SBDC Advisor: Aaron Miller.

After successfully working for a number of years with the Alexandria SBDC on their domestic business, Port City Brewing Company wanted to test the waters of international trade last year and quickly discovered a need for more expert advice. Port City was put in touch with the Virginia SBDC International Business Development Program.

“When we first started looking at exporting to the United Kingdom, we thought we’d go it alone and figure all this out on our own,” Bill Butcher says. “Working with Aaron Miller at the SBDC really helped us navigate a new facet of our business we really were not familiar with.” (more…)

Empowering Amputees Through Innovation – #SBDC Client Showcase

February 9, 2019

Extremiti3D (facebook.com/extremiti3D | @extremiti3D)
Countdown to the 2019 Client Showcase: #4

SBDC: North Charleston Area SBDC – South Carolina (www.scsbdc.com)
SBDC Advisor: Jim Wasson and Darrell Jones.

Extremiti3D empowers amputees through innovation. We deliver high quality service through close, personal collaboration with our practitioners. At Extremiti3D, we create precise solutions through advanced additive manufacturing, providing a better fit, greater durability, and significant savings in time and cost.

” Jim Wasson was critical to the development and success of my company. We started with a business concept, using 3D Printing to improve people’s lives. Through Jim’s guidance and experience we were able to win government-backed SBIR contracts and SC Launch grants and loans, providing funding to help us research and refine the business.” — Barry Hand, Founder/CEO, Extremiti3D, LLC  (more…)

Building an Expanding Energy Business – #SBDC Client Showcase

February 8, 2019

Whites Energy Services, LLC (WhitesEnergy.com| @riggweld1)
Countdown to the 2019 Client Showcase: #5

SBDC: Northwestern Oklahoma SBDC – High Plains Technology Center (www.oksbdc.org)
SBDC Advisor: Andra Smith.

Whites Energy Services, LLC began as White’s Welding in 2000, with one person — Calvin White. Calvin had big dreams for his small business, and through hard work and determination he has made amazing progress.

The company continued to expand products and services not only in Oklahoma but in Pennsylvania and Texas. Due to sales growth and varied product lines offered, three new companies were started to help keep up with the demand, which resulted in the need for the parent company. In 2012, Whites Energy Services, LLC, was created. This company is the umbrella under which the four companies operate, and it employs 250 people in three states.  (more…)

Running Errands the Dog Friendly Way – #SBDC Client Showcase

February 7, 2019

DogSpot (dogparker.com/| @DogSpot)
Countdown to the 2019 Client Showcase: #6

SBDC: Brooklyn SBDC – New York (www.nyssbdc.org/centers)
SBDC Advisor: Robert Piechota.

DogSpot makes high-tech, pay-per-use dog houses that sit on sidewalks outside of stores where dogs aren’t allowed. DogSpot has a national network of these safe and cozy sidewalk sanctuaries, aiming to give the 80 million U.S. dogs and their owners a way to spend more time together without needing to worry about logistics or safety. We’re also proud to offer a unique opportunity to the 57% of retail and food establishments that otherwise cannot accommodate customers who are running errands with their dogs.

“The Brooklyn SBDC team has supported us since day 1 – since we built the very first DogSpot dog house in a garage in Brooklyn. Their advocacy helped us win our first grant from the Brooklyn Public Library, which helped us launch the business. They continue to support us over two years later as we tackle complicated sidewalk regulations at home.” — Chelsea Brownridge, CEO, DogSpot  (more…)