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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/.

Nevada SBDC Helps The Wine Down’s Joelle Bolton Turn a Dream Into a Destination Bar

June 10, 2026

The concept for The Wine Down was developed around a kitchen table by owner Joelle Bolton, her best friend, and her husband. Having spent years working in nightlife and hospitality, they set out to create a bar aligned with their own preferences—one that was approachable, distinctive, and designed with intention rather than trend.

Bolton’s husband played a leading role in shaping the bar’s design. He proposed several unconventional ideas that challenged more traditional approaches. While some of these concepts initially raised questions, they were ultimately incorporated into the final build. Over time, those design choices became defining characteristics of the space and contributed to its differentiation within the local market.

The process of opening the business proved more complex than expected. Bolton underestimated the scope of the licensing and regulatory requirements involved, later noting that navigating the process was more difficult than purchasing a home. During this period, the business was also managing multiple loans tied to both the bar and her husband’s vineyard management company. In December, her husband passed away, adding further complexity to an already demanding operational and financial situation.

To address these challenges, Bolton worked with the Nevada Small Business Development Center, where advisor Donna Corey provided ongoing guidance. The SBDC assisted with reviewing financial options, placing loans on hold, and later consolidating them into more manageable payments. In addition to technical support, Corey served as a consistent point of contact as Bolton evaluated next steps and navigated operational hurdles.

My SBDC advisor was full of good advice, full of positivity. So my relationship with SBDC is not strictly financial – sometimes you just need a sounding board…‘What do I do next?’ or ‘I’ve run into this hurdle, have you seen this before?’ SBDC had great advice for those questions. It’s okay to dream, do it.

Joelle Bolton, Owner of The Wine Down Tweet

Today, The Wine Down is an established business that continues to attract new and returning customers. Bolton frequently encourages others considering entrepreneurship to pursue their ideas and often refers them to the SBDC as a practical resource. The business reflects both careful planning and the support systems that helped bring it to completion.

Florida SBDC at UCF Named National SBDC of the Year by SBA

May 6, 2026

UCF Center Earns SBA’s Highest SBDC Honor from Nearly 1,000 Centers Nationwide

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s premier provider of small business assistance and expertise, proudly announces that the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has been selected as the recipient of the National Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Each year, the SBA selects one SBDC from nearly 1,000 centers nationwide to receive the award as part of National Small Business Week. This national honor is bestowed for excellence in consulting and training, measurable economic impact, and innovative approaches that help small businesses start, grow, and succeed.

“The Florida SBDC at UCF is an anchor of the small business ecosystem in their region,” said Paul Fitzpatrick, SBA’s Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development. “The SBA’s grant to the SBDC plus their team’s efforts equals thousands of entrepreneurs who can take advantage of President Trump’s America First economic agenda and SBA’s modernized capital access programs.”

“We’re incredibly proud to see the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida earn the Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award,” says Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “This recognition highlights their commitment to innovation, client success, and meaningful impact for Florida’s small businesses. Their work exemplifies the very best of what our network strives to achieve every day.”

Over the past decade, the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida has made a profound impact on Central Florida and the statewide economy, supporting more than 15,500 businesses through over 206,700 hours of expert consulting.

This work has translated into measurable economic success, including $606.2 million in capital formation and more than $1.03 billion in government contracts secured. The center has also helped launch 1,226 new businesses, fueled $948.8 million in sales growth, and contributed to the creation of more than 8,200 jobs while helping retain over 10,000 – further demonstrating its critical role in advancing Florida’s small business community.

Eunice Choi has served as the regional director of the Florida SBDC at UCF since 2006, during which time she has led significant growth and expanded services for small businesses across Central Florida. She will retire this summer after 28 years of dedicated service.

We are humbled yet immensely gratified to be honored as the SBDC of the Year by the SBA. Our team takes great pride in its unwavering commitment to serving the small business community and advancing SBA’s mission. This award reflects our consistent ability to exceed SBA milestones and outperform our own high expectations within the Florida SBDC Network.

Eunice Choi, Regional Director of the FSBDC at UCF Tweet

The Florida SBDC at UCF will be formally recognized during National Small Business Week, held May 3-9, 2026, at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., alongside SBA award winners from across the country.

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.

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