Like for many small businesses, the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic has been hard in the company in the form of:
"Our financial trajectory has turned around since COVID," said Ms. Chanda. "Ann helped us re-set our marketing strategy to target only the clients we really wanted, so our future is looking bright."
Paycheck protection program awareness which led to applications and assistance. This and re-setting financial trajectory with marketing strategy and efforts, as well as Quickbooks expertise assistance.
Rebound from losses and continue to grow the business.
Put A&E Engineering in the black again.
The team of professional engineers, land surveyors, designers, and drafting professionals was able to come back, rebound from losses, and continue to grow the business of serving clients of the Intermountain West with a full-service engineering firm.
Good Problems: Growth, redesign, expansion, and diversification of the company is what took place in 2001 after new owners at the time repurchased the company. Evolution of services and products, from agricultural and farm equipment covers to custom covers for boats, recreational vehicles, spas, sign bags and awnings. Hinderance of company growth due to limited manufacturing space and commodity space in the form of parking or storage. As a result of this, Idaho Canvas Products (ICP) could not provide covers and support for larger boats and RVs, putting a ceiling on their business operation and abilities
"The skills we have learned and implemented have changed the future of our business and personal lives."
Over the last three years, the Idaho SBDC, in combination with the Idaho Innovation Center, provided specific current and proactive knowledge and services so that the company could grow from the family-owned roots from which it started. The company focused on leadership and a hands-on approach to its customer experience goals, hoping to combine this with its brand-new facility and growth opportunities. Lastly, the company members were exposed to skills and mentorship that taught, advised, and challenged the business to new levels that now exist for the company to think smarter and grow even broader.
Idaho Canvas has grown to become the largest and dominant manufacturer of coverings in Eastern Idaho and the surrounding areas. They are now exemplary of a successful hands-on approach that is evidenced and based on their stellar customer reviews. Overall, the company was guided to handle its own growth and how to make the most of the journey so that it hopefully never has to end.
Dramatic business increase outgrew the shed and basement business in 2022. Inventory and availability of specific, desired Native American jewelry, clothing, and crafts
"She credits the Pocatello SBDC, which includes Claudia Allen and Ann Swanson, with helping her create her brand, set up her bookkeeping, create a business plan, and marketing her business. She is very grateful for the assistance and guidance they have provided her."
Idaho SBDC - Pocatello is located at Idaho State University, where consultants helped her with:
Opening of the first brick-and-mortar store in Chubbuck, Idaho (Fort Hall Indian Reservation), Georgette is proud to sell to customers and other Native American crafters as a supplier and is very grateful for the assistance and guidance that Claudia Allen and Ann Swanson of the Idaho SBDC have provided her
