Jennifer faced several challenges when starting her tax service business. Initially, she lost her job at other tax firms in 2020, which disrupted her career. Despite this, her previous clients continued to seek her services, inspiring her to start her own business. Additionally, she needed funding to establish her company, which she obtained through the CA Dream Grant after completing Business Financial Fitness classes provided by SBDC. The technical assistance from SBDC, including bookkeeping workshops and one-on-one consultations, was crucial in helping her keep her business organized and financially stable.
"I love the fact that when people come into my office, it feels like I'm welcoming them into my home. My clients tell me about their lives and I give them a safe space. My business is very rewarding. Thank you SBDC for all your help!"
The SBDC provided Jennifer with essential support to overcome her business challenges. They offered Business Financial Fitness classes, which helped her secure the CA Dream Grant for funding. Additionally, SBDC provided bookkeeping workshops and one-on-one consultations, which were crucial in helping Jennifer keep her business organized and financially stable. These solutions enabled her to manage her finances effectively and maintain a well-structured business, ultimately contributing to her success in serving her community.
As a result of the support from SBDC, Jennifer successfully secured the CA Dream Grant, which provided the necessary funding for her business. The bookkeeping workshops and one-on-one consultations helped her keep her business organized and financially stable. This comprehensive assistance enabled Jennifer to effectively manage her finances, maintain a well-structured business, and continue providing valuable tax services to her community.
The business faced several challenges, including transitioning from Los Angeles to Carlsbad without a clear plan. They had to build a pioneering R&D facility from scratch and develop a patent-pending recipe for edible cups. Securing financing was another hurdle, but they obtained over $2.5M and a $5M pre-qualification from the CA Climate Tech Finance Program. Expanding their facility from 2,400 to 12,000 square feet also posed logistical challenges. Additionally, they needed support in fundraising, legal advice, and networking, which they received from The Brink SBDC, helping them navigate these obstacles successfully.
"Jonathan Irwin and Bobby Edelman have been extremely helpful in helping our fundraising efforts, introducing us to Angels and VCs, navigating grants and helping us find legal advice. The Brink SBDC is a great asset and we greatly appreciate the people there."
The SBDC provided crucial support to the client by offering a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including advice and introductions to angel investors and venture capitalists. They facilitated access to free legal advice, essential for navigating the complexities of starting and expanding the business. Additionally, the SBDC invited the client to numerous networking events, significantly expanding their professional network. This support helped the client secure over $2.5M in financing, a $5M pre-qualification from the CA Climate Tech Finance Program, and successfully expand their facility from 2,400 to 12,000 square feet.
The result was a significant success for the business. With the support of The Brink SBDC, they secured over $2.5M in financing and a $5M pre-qualification from the CA Climate Tech Finance Program. They successfully expanded their facility from 2,400 to 12,000 square feet, developed a patent-pending recipe, and manufactured and sold 35,000 edible cups across 17 states. The comprehensive support in fundraising, legal advice, and networking provided by SBDC was instrumental in overcoming their challenges and achieving these milestones.
The client faced several challenges in opening Yaqui Coffee House. As an immigrant woman, Anahi's journey was marked by the need to navigate a new business landscape and secure funding. Her passion for coffee led to a five-year learning journey, culminating in the pending opening of her specialty coffee shop. Securing a $350,000 SBA loan was a significant hurdle, but with the continuous support of the SBDC, she was able to overcome it. The SBDC provided valuable advice on the best loan options, connected her with lenders, assisted in processing the loan application, and prepared her for meetings with lenders.
"Our experience with the Small Business Development Center has been very positive. From the beginning, we had several phone calls and Zoom meetings with advisors. They were always very accessible, and their continuous support helped us in every step of the process."
The SBDC provided several key solutions to help Anahi open Yaqui Coffee House. They advised her on the best loan options to seek and connected her with a network of lenders. The SBDC also assisted in processing her loan application and prepared her for meetings with lenders, ensuring she was well-equipped to secure the $350,000 SBA loan. Additionally, they offered continuous support through phone calls and Zoom meetings, providing guidance and expertise at every step of the process. This comprehensive support was crucial in turning her business project into a reality.
The result of the SBDC's support was the successful opening of Yaqui Coffee House. Anahi secured a $350,000 SBA loan, which was crucial for launching her business. The continuous guidance and resources provided by the SBDC helped her navigate the complexities of starting a new business, from loan application to lender meetings. This comprehensive support enabled Anahi to turn her passion for coffee into a reality, culminating in the establishment of her specialty coffee shop.