SBDC Archives - Page 2 of 2

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From PTSD to Prosperity: How Beekeeping Transformed this Disabled Combat Veteran’s Life

November 27, 2024

When Staff Sergeant Eric Grandon, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, returned home from multiple combat deployments, he was struggling with the debilitating effects of PTSD. Rather than let the stressors of war consume him, Grandon found solace and purpose in an unexpected place – the gentle hum of honeybees.

In 2014, Grandon founded Sugar Bottom Farm in the small town of Ovapa, West Virginia, starting with just two beehives. Along with his wife Mary and daughter Abigail, Grandon dove headfirst into the world of beekeeping, determined to use this newfound passion as a way to manage his PTSD.

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).

From Naval Officer to Successful Entrepreneur: Skipper T. Ryan Davis’ Journey with the SBDC

November 14, 2024

Skipper T. Ryan Davis is a shining example of how the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can help veteran entrepreneurs transition from military service to thriving small business ownership. With over 20 years of experience as a Naval officer and 4,000 hours of flight time, Davis has proven himself to be a passionate leader, skilled communicator, and dedicated problem-solver – qualities that have served him well in his entrepreneurial pursuits.

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.

SBDCs Nationwide Celebrate the 8th Annual #SBDCDay March 20th, 2024

March 20, 2024

After 45 years, America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) still rate highly with their clients and live up to their reputation as America’s #1 most trusted small business resource. To celebrate the SBDC program’s continued success, the work they do, and the clients they serve, March 20th, 2024, will mark the 8th annual #SBDCDay and the program’s biggest celebration of the year. SBDC Day is a national movement to help share the small business success stories and notable impact SBDCs have fostered nationwide.