It’s one thing to have a new-to-the world product. It’s another to get the word out about it. That’s when Jill McDermott and Lynda Reese reached out to the Michigan SBDC and met Certified Business Consultant Nicole Young Potvin, who helped them with their marketing and exporting efforts.
"A new business can be difficult and some challenges feel insurmountable. Nicole breaks it down, walks you through it, opens doors and offers opportunities. She is our mentor, she is our friend, and we are grateful to her and the Michigan SBDC for the programs that make her guidance and all of the training and programs available to assist fellow entrepreneurs."
Michigan SBBDC Certified Business Consultant Nicole Young Potvin advised on marketing collateral, website and social media, plus provided export assistance.
Today, Eagle Link distributes its products to owners of champions and backyard pets, as well as to veterinarians in all 50 states and a long list of international countries.
Gilbert Albarez has been expertly cutting and styling hair for over 20 years on Lansing’s Northside, making him a staple in the community. When he wanted to expand his business, he connected with the Michigan SBDC at Lansing Community College.
"I found a building I wanted to purchase which now includes five chairs, including my work station. The building met all the specifications I wanted, but needed some remodeling. Darryl helped me prepare a business plan and develop financial projections for the business. The Michigan SBDC also connected me with a local lender, who was able to get me approved for both the purchase of the building and the financing of necessary renovations."
Senior Business Consultant Darryl Horton explained the process for securing a commercial loan, including the approval criteria. Darryl helped Gilbert prepare a business plan and develop financial projections for the business and also connected him with a local lender.
The lender approved Gilbert's application for both the building purchase and the financing of necessary renovations. Gilbert is now the proud owner of Northside Barber Shop 2010.
Ryan Iacovacci and Joe Lane are on a mission to educate others about fungi and the possibilities of a regenerative bioeconomy at the intersection of people, planet and profits. They sought counsel from the Michigan SBDC’s Tech Team Business Consultant Kayo Ramirez, who helped they develop their business plan and pitch.
"There are so many challenges in a startup. Having the idea is one thing, but being able to actually implement it, scale it up, distribution — all those components are another. The Michigan SBDC has been extremely helpful. What I really learned from the Michigan SBDC and Kayo is to boil it down and focus. If you focus on bringing that one thing to market everything else will come from that."
Ryan and Joe now have a business plan in place to seek out funding and grants to grow their business.
In addition to getting help from the Michigan SBDC, the duo also received assistance through the BBCetc Michigan Catalyst Advantage Program (MI-CAN) to prepare their pitch for an NSF Small Business grant researching the fungal digestion of the forever chemical grouping known as PFAS.
MI-CAN is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
