business growth Archives - America's SBDC

America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

Prepare for Profits – 2025, Part 1 Your Cost Structure May Never Be the Same

December 23, 2024

By Barbara Nuss, CPA
Founder, Profit Soup

Many entrepreneurs recall being caught off-guard when pandemic-inspired business interruptions, labor challenges and supply chain disfunction wreaked havoc with cost structures. How could you see that coming? Nobody could. Not the case today. Astute planners contemplating their goals and budgets for 2025 are already factoring in how pending National policies could impact their cost structure.

What Does Your Crystal Ball Say?

A few key uncertainties have me wishing for a crystal ball. One that could see through the post-election politicizing of important topics. I’d know how to predict the cost impacts of changing labor policies, possible tariffs, housing supply and demand, and deportations and immigration’s effect on labor supply. Unfortunately, I do not have such a crystal ball, so I will do the next best thing; guess, and hedge my bets by paying attention and staying nimble.

From Empty Beehive to Thriving Family Business: A Success Story

December 16, 2024

In the heart of rural entrepreneurship, Susan and Glenn Scott’s journey with Honey in the Hollow Bee Farm exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and strategic business support. What began as a simple gift of an empty beehive would soon blossom into a flourishing family enterprise that demonstrates the transformative potential of small business growth.

A Humble Beginning

Glenn Scott, an auto technician, and Sue, deeply committed to homeschooling, shared a dream of owning their own business. The unexpected gift of an empty beehive became their catalyst for entrepreneurship. Initially, they operated from home, with bees buzzing in their backyard, selling their honey products directly to local customers.

Flying Leap Vineyards: A Veteran-Owned Winery Soaring to New Heights with SBDC Support

November 18, 2024

Flying Leap Vineyards is a remarkable success story of a veteran-owned small business taking flight in the Arizona wine industry. Founded in 2010 by three lifelong friends from the U.S. Air Force Academy – Mark Beres, Marc Moeller, and Tom Kitchens – the company has grown from a small-scale wine grape farming operation to a thriving winery and distillery, thanks in large part to the support of the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Veteran-Owned Wepa Lands $1M Contract with Port of San Diego

November 11, 2024

Wepa Commercial Cleaning, a veteran-owned and -operated janitorial and disinfecting company, is celebrating a major milestone. The San Diego-based business has secured a $1 million one-year contract with the Port of San Diego.

Wepa was founded by Francisco Rivera, a U.S. military veteran, who has built the company into a top-rated business with coverage in major publications. Wepa provides a full range of commercial cleaning and disinfecting services, employing skilled workers and utilizing advanced procedures to ensure healthy environments for organizations’ employees, customers, and guests.

Woman Entrepreneur Builds Successful Construction Business with SBDC Help

October 17, 2024

As we celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month, it’s inspiring to highlight the journey of women entrepreneurs who are making their mark in traditionally male-dominated industries. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Theresa Ortiz, the founding principal of 2bn contracting, whose story exemplifies the power of determination, expertise, and strategic planning in building a successful woman-owned business.

From Project Manager to Business Owner

With over 20 years of experience in commercial construction, including 12 years as a project manager, Theresa Ortiz recognized a significant opportunity. She observed firsthand the growing demand for woman- and minority-owned suppliers and subcontractors in the construction industry. This insight and her passion for helping others excel led her to embark on the journey of creating her own consulting and contracting business.