SBDC Archives - America's SBDC

America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

Iowa SBDC Client Advances as SBA Patriot Pitch Competition Semifinalist

July 29, 2026

Plas-Tech Tooling of Garner represents Iowa among the nation's top 10 small businesses

America’s SBDC Iowa is proud to recognize Plas-Tech Tooling of Garner, Iowa, for being named one of 10 semifinalists in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Patriot Pitch Competition.

Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool funded by Clover Network, Inc. (Clover), the national competition highlights eligible small businesses whose innovation, leadership, and growth reflect the promise of the American Dream. Out of 1,182 small businesses that submitted applications from every state across the nation, Plas-Tech Tooling advanced through district and regional judging to earn a place among the competition’s 10 semifinalists.

“The Patriot Pitch Competition is a celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the entrepreneurs carrying forward that legacy for our next 250 years,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Out of 1,182 small businesses that submitted pitches from every state across the nation, these 10 semifinalists emerged from a highly competitive process by demonstrating the ingenuity and willingness to take risks that drive economic and job growth and define American enterprise at its best. Their outsized impact reflects not only the contribution small businesses make across the country today, but also the role they are playing in driving America’s next era of growth and opportunity. We are excited to see them advance and compete for a place in the live finale in Washington this September.”

Founded by Dean and Marcia Sonquist in 1993, Plas-Tech Tooling began as a one-person operation working out of the founders’ garage, specializing in injection mold building and repair for manufacturers in the Garner area. Over the years, Plas-Tech has expanded to more than 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space on 15 acres and employs over 50 people.

Plas-Tech Tooling is a technology-driven advanced manufacturing company specializing in precision machining, injection mold design, mold building, and plastic injection molding. By combining innovative engineering, advanced CAD/CAM systems, rapid prototyping, and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, they design, build, and produce high-quality custom plastic components and tooling solutions that help drive American industry forward. In addition, Plas-Tech Tooling provides production machining of plastic and metal components, guiding customers through the product design process, developing rapid prototypes, and utilizing advanced CAD/CAM and SOLIDWORKS technologies. Their quality assurance and reverse engineering programs are further enhanced through the use of the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM).

Beginning in 1995, America’s SBDC Iowa has been proud to walk alongside Plas-Tech and the Sonquist family, to provide individualized business counseling, as they have grown and scaled this critical business into successful pillar of their community. The efforts of America’s SBDC Iowa helped Plas-Tech secure additional capital, increase revenues, and create new jobs.

America’s SBDC Iowa congratulates Plas-Tech Tooling on this national recognition and wishes the company continued success as it advances in the Patriot Pitch Competition.

For more information on America’s SBDC Iowa programs or services, call (515) 294-2030 or visit, https://www.facebook.com/AmericasSBDCIowa, or https://www.instagram.com/iowasbdc/.

SBDCs and Veteran Entrepreneurship: Resources, Recognition, and Results

April 22, 2026

Small Business Development Centers continue to play a vital role in helping veterans and military spouses launch and grow successful businesses. Across the country, SBDC advisors are working directly with veteran business owners to build stronger businesses, one client at a time.

David Smith Named Boots to Business Instructor of the Year

The SBA recently honored the 2025 Boots to Business Instructors of the Year, recognizing outstanding educators and partners helping military-connected entrepreneurs succeed. Among the honorees was David Smith, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Texas Tech University, recognized for his hands-on, practical approach to instruction.

"Most importantly, I stay engaged with the veterans I serve. There are real-time challenges and that local feedback keeps that guidance practical and not theoretical."

David Smith, Regional Director of SBDC at Texas Tech Tweet

From Home Roaster to Regional Brand: Pinup Coffee Co.

Navy veterans Bryce and Stephanie Wein built Pinup Coffee Co. in Norfolk, Virginia — a 4,500-square-foot roastery that started as a home setup selling at farmers’ markets.

Their SBDC played a direct role in that growth, providing customized consulting on forecasting, logistics, inventory management, and expansion strategy.

Combined with support from their local Veterans Business Outreach Center and SCORE mentors, the results were remarkable: 1,225% revenue growth in their first year, followed by nearly 200% growth in both 2023 and 2024.

Today, Pinup Coffee products are distributed through major retailers, the team has grown to seven employees, and the company operates with a 1,500-pound roaster in a renovated production space.

Thriving in Rural America: Northern Wings Repair, Inc.

In Newberry, Michigan, Navy and Marine Corps veteran David Goudreau founded Northern Wings Repair, Inc. in 2001 — growing it from a rented pole barn into a $20 million-per-year aerospace and defense operation supporting NASA, the Department of Justice, and major prime contractors.

SBDC support was among the SBA training resources that helped the company navigate the complex world of NAICS codes, contract structures, and federal marketplace requirements. In a remote region with limited industry infrastructure, Northern Wings now employs 32 people and continues to expand.

Resources for Veteran and Military-Owned Businesses

These stories are a reminder of what’s possible when veteran entrepreneurs connect with the right support. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, America’s SBDC has compiled federal and non-federal resources specifically for the military community. Visit our Veteran-Owned Business Hub to explore what’s available to you.

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.

SBDCs Team Up with PREDICTif Solutions to Bring AI Funding Directly to Entrepreneurs

November 19, 2025

PREDICTif Solutions and Peak SBDC Host Successful Pitch Competition at Goat Patch Brewery

Colorado Springs, CO – November 7, 2025 – Through an outstanding partnership with Brandon Eldridge and Nichole Rotte of the Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Colorado Springs, PREDICTif Solutions hosted an exciting Pitch Competition on November 6 at Goat Patch Brewery, a proud veteran-owned establishment.

The event featured a highly competitive lineup of innovative companies, each showcasing exceptional ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. The judges’ scores were so close that the competition came within a single point of a four-way tie—ultimately resulting in a tie for first place.

AnywhereCam Inc. From Pitch to Growth: A Success Story

November 12, 2025

Mike Blecha grew up and lives in a small rural area in northeastern Colorado. Most of his family, friends, customers and neighbors are hard-working people, many with property and belongings spread around the region. During the pandemic, theft and robbery exponentially increased, and Mike, known in his local community as the ‘tech guy’, was the go-to person for a surveillance solution.

After unsuccessfully trying to implement almost every option currently on the market, Mike decided to build a surveillance camera that anyone could use anywhere, regardless of their access to high-speed internet or power. He created AnywhereCam as a reliable and durable solution to help the people of rural communities have a sense of security regardless of circumstances.

When Mike Blecha launched AnywhereCam, he faced the classic startup dilemma: limited funds and limited reach. Marketing efforts generated brief spikes in sales, but without a steady budget, the momentum quickly faded. At the same time, raising a seed round proved equally difficult—few investors resonated with the vision or the scalability of AnywhereCam’s technology.

12 3 4