unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Hans Vogel, founder of Triverus, LLC, faced challenges as he pursued growth in the highly specialized cleaning technology sector. First, expanding the company's market reach required substantial funding to support new product development, including the Municipal Cleaning Vehicle (MCV) and the MS3 street-scale cleaning machine. Financing this growth while managing lifecycle maintenance commitments, particularly for the Navy's MCRRS fleet, added layers of complexity to the company's operations. Additionally, generating leads and exploring new sales strategies were essential to support their expansion into domestic and international markets. As an Alaska-based exporter, Triverus also had to navigate the intricacies of international trade and establish a sustainable presence in new markets.
"Misty has a wide range of business experiences, and she's great at connecting with business needs and areas of collaboration."
The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) supported Voegel in addressing these challenges. Misty O'Connor, the Mat-Su Center Director, provided Vogel with key connections to lenders and invited him to a specialized workshop focused on financing opportunities through the Small Business Administration (SBA). This workshop expanded Vogel's understanding of available funding options, equipping him to make informed decisions about securing capital for growth. With O'Connor's 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, the SBDC also helped Vogel brainstorm innovative sales and lead-generation strategies essential for expanding Triverus' reach in the competitive cleaning technology market. The SBDC's strategic guidance gave Vogel a clearer path forward as he navigated the complexities of financing, lead generation, and sales.
With the support of the Alaska SBDC, Triverus, LLC successfully advanced its growth strategy. The company celebrated two major achievements, winning the Exporter of the Year award from the Export Council of Alaska and being named the Small Business Administration Alaska Exporter Small Business of the Year 2024. These accolades underscored Triverus' positive impact on Alaska's economy through international trade and highlighted its contributions to the state's economic growth. With a solid foundation in place, Triverus is on track to launch the MS3 and expand its focus on environmental cleaning solutions, positioning the company as a leading innovator in the cleaning technology industry.
The Selanoff family faced several challenges as they prepared to launch their family-owned coffee business, Quad Shot, in Valdez, Alaska. First, they needed guidance on navigating the complexities of starting a new business, including understanding local market dynamics and addressing operational needs. Additionally, they needed support applying for a grant to secure the necessary funding to bring Quad Shot to life. With a vision for a family-friendly coffee spot, the Selanoffs also had to differentiate their business with a unique menu and community focus, but required a clear business plan and financial projections to make this vision a reality.
"Shoutout to the folks at Alaska SBDC and Rural Business Advisor Ruth Wolfe for their amazing support. Their advice and guidance have been like a compass for us, helping us navigate the world of small business ownership. The Alaska SBDC was like the secret ingredient in our recipe for success, offering just the right advice to help us grow."
The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provided critical support throughout Quad Shot's journey. Rural Business Advisor Ruth Wolfe and the SBDC team guided the Selanoffs through the process of creating a solid business plan and developing financial projections, which were essential for the grant application. The SBDC offered step-by-step assistance, helping the family understand the requirements and navigate the grant application process. This support served as a roadmap for the Selanoffs, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to launch their business confidently.
With the Alaska SBDC's guidance, Quad Shot successfully opened its doors on September 24, 2023. The grant, secured with the SBDC's help, allowed the Selanoff family to bring their vision of a welcoming, family-oriented coffee hut to the Valdez community. Quad Shot quickly became a local favorite, known for its extensive menu of hot and cold drinks, healthy options, and a kid's menu. As the go-to spot for early-morning workers and students, Quad Shot has established a steady stream of loyal customers. Looking ahead, the Selanoffs are excited to expand. They plan to create an outdoor relaxation space, collaborate with local food trucks, and host community events, further enhancing their role as a cherished community hub in Valdez.
Bryan Glenn faced the typical hurdles of launching a business in Alaska's demanding environment, including securing financing for essential equipment and ensuring the viability of his business model. Operating in the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley, Bryan needed a clear strategy to establish Northern Land Solutions, LLC as a trusted provider of excavation and snow removal services, all while navigating the competitive and seasonal nature of the industry.
"I can honestly say that Northern Land Solutions, LLC is where it is today because of Misty O'Connor. She really cares about her clients!"
The Alaska SBDC, through Misty O'Connor at the Mat-Su Center, provided Bryan with personalized guidance and support. Together, they developed detailed financial projections to secure financing for the skid-steer, truck, and trailer critical to his operations. Misty also worked with Bryan to assess the viability of his business model, offering insight and strategies for sustainable growth. To sustain this momentum, Bryan and Misty have leveraged artificial intelligence through ChatGPT to craft a comprehensive and dynamic year-long marketing campaign to keep his schedule full and drive steady growth.
Six months after launch, Northern Land Solutions, LLC is thriving. Bryan has successfully secured projects for the upcoming spring and summer while managing the demands of winter snow removal. His commitment to honesty, hard work, and customer satisfaction has set his business apart, ensuring continued growth and a strong reputation in the Mat-Su Valley.
