Reimagining Main Street

“The SBDC was amazing at guiding us in the directions we needed to go to pursue our dream. SBDC helped us navigate the banks as well as how to put our business plan together. If anyone is looking to pursue a business, the SBDC is the place to start. Peter and I highly recommend it.” SBDC helped Throwback Family Fun secure $800,000 SBA 7(a) loan and open their family-centric video arcade, food court, and ax throwing facility, with laser tag opening soon.

The Ch'ihootso Indian Marketplace in Window Rock, Arizona is the cultural and economic center of the Navajo Nation capital city. Located on the main intersection in town, it encompasses open air spots for vendors, permanent shops for lease, a gas station, a convenience store, and a car wash. In the spring and summer, the corner is alive with local residents and tourists seeking a Native American experience. The Arizona SBDC helped their client form their LLC, connect with local organizations, develop new contracts, manage upgrades, and manage the growing business — all critical to their success. SBA Administrator Guzman recently visited the Ch'ihootso Indian Marketplace to spend some time with this SBDC client, business owner Carol Willeto.

ReSuture is a medical tech startup that builds a “portable simulated operating room.” They create realistic models of surgical procedures that simulate a variety of clinical scenarios — allowing training surgeons to perfect their operative skills and learn how to properly use new medical devices. ReSuture has a productive facility at the AZ TechCelerator in Surprise and they are a member of med/tech incubator Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (CEI) in Phoenix.

Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care was founded in 2019 by two veterinarians designed to help pets using natural remedies to improve the quality of a pet's life with little risk and to avoid or reduce the use of potentially harmful pharmaceuticals. “We had just about every challenge that you could imagine in starting a new company. The SBDC helped us navigate the export world and we are now working on export deals working in Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong with more on the way” shared Sean Ford, Chief Operating Officer.

Josie James Co’s owner, Desiree Schnell, had an idea for expansion that she made a reality by spending time learning, planning, and working towards her goal. Josie James supports other local small businesses by selling their products in her store. Her boutique is lovely shop offering sizes S-3XL and its social media accounts are delightful. Desiree’s authenticity and kindness show through everything she does, including her product selection.

Nemean Solutions, LLC was a start up company that needed direction in business plan development and financing. The business plan was a requirement for the company for a number of SBA related certifications — notably the 8(a) certification. The company's business plan was crucial and the SBDC directly mentored and guided the owner's on Nemean into putting this document together. The SBDC also helped with identifying financing partners as the company grew and required more capital.

Southwest TeePee & Event Rentals were hit hard by COVID-19; after only 18 months in business, they were shut down completely. Instead of retreating, owner Susie Alofs rented a bigger space, began to increase inventory based on customer feedback, and when events started back up, she was ready. The SBDC helped their client get PPP, EIDL, and grants so Susie could weather the pandemic storm. She has doubled sales, continues to grow, and is gearing up to expand again.

“The SBDC has been instrumental in teaching us how to navigate new waters. They helped us prepare bank loan requests, which were key in us securing the necessary capital to fully develop our vineyard. The SBDC is an important part of our growth and development, and we are truly fortunate to have them as a resource,” says Mark Beres. Flying Leap has vineyards in southern Arizona, as well as wine and distilled spirits production and cellaring facilities south of Tucson, the heart of Arizona wine country.

“The SBDC has been a major influence in putting my business package together. I have received lots of help and guidance from lots of people over the years and the patience and help given from the SBDC has been so appreciated.” Lois Monarrez began working with the SBDC in 1994. Her goal was to expand her business to include a second RV Park location in Globe. There have been many challenges over the years but Lois never gave up. The SBDC helped Lois with the project development and planning, preparing the loan financial package and marketing plans. Through it all, Lois pushed through and with the help of the SBDC, she opened her second business location in 2018 and is still growing! Lois never gave up and neither did the SBDC.

Stratton Design Build received its first federal contract with the US Army Corps of Engineers for $49M. This Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) was awarded to Stratton Straub Joint Venture. Thanks to help from the SBDC, Stratton's SBA was approved Mentor-Protégé Agreement with Straub Construction. The SBDC team has worked with Stratton to lay the groundwork for Stratton's growth; including reviewing Stratton's draft Business Plan and helping secure a $350K LOC from a SBA approved lender.