Yami Hu began to consider entrepreneurship to find fulfillment not found in her corporate career. Yami had what any great entrepreneur starts with passion and a business idea, yet she knew she needed someone to keep her accountable and on task. That is where the Illinois SBDC at the College of Lake County stepped in. In January 2023, Three Legged Brewing was born. Yami's cold brew coffee company is named in honor of Mogwai, who lost a front leg due to cancer but didn't let it stop her from happily and energetically running around on three paws.
"In my debut as an entrepreneur, the SBDC has proven indispensable," said Yami. "They've aided in company setup, securing licenses, and equipping me with necessary tools. Yet, the crown jewel is their free personalized coaching by experienced business minds. This guidance acts as a sounding board as my business grows, holding me responsible for my actions."
The Illinois SBDC at the College of Lake County assisted Yami by providing detailed financial projections, guidance on securing product distribution resources, and action plans for growing the business.
Three Legged Brewing has been operational for less than a year and sales have increased dramatically. Yami, Mogwai, and Yami's husband, Jeremy, are regulars at farmer's markets around Lake County, which has built a significant following for their business. Three Legged Brewing has been participating in food and coffee expos to scale the business and gain additional exposure. It is actively developing a regional retail presence to become a national brand. Yami is also excited to be part of an entrepreneur reality show called The Blox, which is scheduled to air in 2024.
Micro Products is familiar to business as they have been around (previously under a different name) since 1928. Their machines can be found in 30 countries worldwide, proving that the company has been active in international markets for decades. However, even as a small company, Micro Products knows that it could grow its global presence.
"Micro Products underscores the fact that you don't have to be a very large manufacturer of mining or construction equipment in order to promote and sell your products globally."
The American manufacturer contacted the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Bradley University to intensify its focus on international sales. Utilizing the services of the Illinois SBDC-ITC and the Illinois State Trade Export Promotion program, Micro Products has participated in trade shows in Germany, China, Thailand, and India.
The company is looking for their third record-breaking year in a row. While exports make up only 9% of sales at present, the Illinois SBDC-ITC at Bradley has been instrumental in connecting the company to foreign consulates and new prospects, which has motivated them to grow that figure by 50%.
Tonya Drake and Amy St. John developed a sisterhood built on the similarities between their families, their love for their community, and their faith. Both had a strong passion for bringing new life into furniture and even more so for stitching together their community. After much consideration, both wanted to open a storefront and needed guidance.
"It has been a lot of fun working with Tonya and Amy. They have known from the start what they wanted to do. They were not afraid to seek out funding, to reach out to community resources, and to call and ask for help when necessary. They are always open to hearing new ideas and suggestions to help them grow. It has been my privilege to assist them in their dream."
The owners began working with the Illinois SBDC in the Metro East at SIU-Edwardsville. They worked with a business advisor at the center on their financials and business plan development. In addition, they worked with a graduate student on marking and social media plans and best practices.
The duo was able to open their doors to the public, where they offered an extensive array of colorful fabrics, hand-made jewelry, and numerous tools of the trade for crafting. They specialize in breathing new life into upholstering furniture and designing and creating intricate quilts. They continue to work with the Illinois SBDC at SIU-E to expand their business to offer events and classes to develop an all-around shop for creativity and skill-building.
