Success Story: Oklahoma

Dorothy Robinson, owner of DCR Pathfinder, LLC, used the professional services of the Oklahoma SBDC to help start her small business. Ms. Robinson is a motivational speaker and advocate for the visually impaired.

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1 Day to the Showcase!

Zeigler Brothers
Gardners, Pennsylvania
www.zeiglerfeed.com

Zeigler Brothers Wins National, State and Regional Export Awards

Zeigler Brothers Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned business specializing in the formulation and manufacture of specialty feeds. A Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) client for more than 15 years, Zeigler has seen several years of remarkable growth and is proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the State of Pennsylvania have extended awards to the company for its export achievements.

The company was awarded Exporter of the Year from the SBA for both Eastern Pennsylvania and the entire Mid-Atlantic region. As one of ten regional finalists, Zeigler then was selected as SBA’s National Exporter of the Year during World Trade Day in Denver. (more…)

2 Days to the Showcase!

EatsPlace
Washington, DC
www.eatsplace.com

The District of Columbia Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC) Network at the at Howard University School of Business has worked with Katy Chang for the past three years on her community food incubator, EatsPlace – from its inception to a thriving business. Katy is a leader in the local business community, as evidenced by her selection as one of 40 CEOs participating in the SBA Emerging Leaders Program along with her other awards and accolades.

Ms. Chang has built a business that welcomes new people with new ideas by reducing the barriers to entry into the food, beverage and hospitality industries. EatsPlace hosts events that educate and inspire, including new business start-up open houses and classes for aspiring restauranteurs.

Moreover, EatsPlace has contributed to local economic development of the Georgia Avenue/Petworth area in Washington, DC, thru the countless patrons arriving from all over the region to experience EatsPlace as a destination of new and diverse cuisines. This demand to experience EatsPlace has spawned numerous businesses out of EatsPlace, and created jobs (indirectly) by businesses born out of EatsPlace and (directly) by EatsPlace itself.  (more…)

4 Days to the Showcase!

McClintock Distilling Company
Frederick, Maryland
www.mcclintockdistilling.com

McClintock Distilling Company opened in in the Fall of 2015, with the help of the city of Frederick and the Frederick SBDC (Small Business Development Center). Braedon Bumpers and his partner Tyler Hegamyer wanted to continue the legacy of McClinktock Young, by restoring a 5,000 square foot downtown location to produce craft gin, vodka, and rum, followed by whiskey, in the next two years.

They came to the SBDC because they had some funding available, but needed additional funding and some education in how to run a business. After taking several of the training classes offered by the SBDC, and working with SBDC consultant Brandon Mason, McClintock Distilling Company secured an SBA guaranteed loan and started the distillery. (more…)

5 Days to the Showcase!

Luke’s Toy Factory
Danbury, Connecticut
www.lukestoyfactory.com

Luke’s Toy Factory designs toys with a simple, old school wooden style. These are toys that look like they could have been hand crafted by a skilled wood worker, with some of the qualities of their full-size counterparts. But Luke’s Toy Factory toys are made using state of the art manufacturing processes and materials, right here in the USA. Everything used to make the toys – every sourced material, every tool and every supplier used – is American. 

Luke’s Toy Factory toys are fun to play with! Think of a 3D puzzle that becomes a truck when assembled. Designed for small hands, the toys are made with a bit of wiggle room, so that kids with developing motor skills are not frustrated. The company’s target age is 3 and up – just at the point where kids are outgrowing “baby toys” but aren’t quite ready for the precision required for more complicated building toys.

The CT SBDC has been instrumental in providing advice at every stage of Luke’s Toy Factory’s growth. Early in the research stage, the creators of Luke’s Toy Factory reached out to the SBDC, after attending a presentation on writing a business plan. When they met with Business Advisor Nelson Merchan at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, he was immediately helpful, providing advice on funding, best business practices, and even practical advice on packaging. He actually researched and brought samples of ideas from other packaging that helped Luke’s Toy Factory craft its own packages.  (more…)