unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
The SBDC supported the business owner in overcoming various challenges, including product development, access to grants and application assistance, manufacturing, marketing, sales, branding, and startup assistance.
"The SBDC has helped us immensely. As a small startup with not a lot of funding at such an early stage, it has been wonderful to be able to get the assistance of so many consultants with an array of expertise."
The business received 177 consulting hours, focusing on building a startup within the CIE Incubator program. This consulting included access to pitch preparation assistance and capital opportunities as an AngelCon 2024 finalist, participating in the Pitch Prep Bootcamp.
With the help of the SBDC, the business achieved significant milestones, including the creating one part-time job, securing a $50,000 NSF I-Corps Program Grant, a $50,000 angel investment, and a $5,000 California Dream Fund Grant.
The client needed refinement of the business plan, legal entity, and financials in order to qualify for grants, and eventually start her business.
"I'm so glad I found out about SBDC. They have been a great help in not only educating me on how to start a business, but providing resources to finance my business through grants."
SBDC Advisor Jim Keeler has been Hailey's business advisor since she reached out to the SBDC in August 2022, prior to starting her business. Jim provided invaluable support in several areas, including market research and statistics to refine her business plan, guidance on establishing a legal entity, resources for grant applications, and assistance with financials. Within five months of working with the SBDC, Hailey secured her first grant.
The client launched her business, hired one full-time employee, and secured multiple funding sources, including a $5,000 grant from the California Dream Fund and an additional $5,000 grant from the City of Bakersfield. She also invested $10,600 in owner equity to support her business growth.
The Valley Community SBDC, with the expertise of advisor Cy Cerro, assisted the business in overcoming challenges related to growth and expansion. This included establishing new branches, such as HealthForce, a segment dedicated to addressing healthcare needs in rural communities. The SBDC provided strategic guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of scaling operations while ensuring the business could effectively serve underserved populations.
"Proudly, HealthForce and True North Physician Agency currently employ 9 full time employees and 20 part time employees and seeks to double revenue for 2024 and expand the Junior Medical Academy from 29 school sites to 100 by end of 2024."
The Valley Community SBDC, led by advisor Cy Cerro, provided comprehensive support to the business, including expert advice, guidance on qualifying for loans, and strategic assistance to help expand their services. Over the course of eight hours of counseling, the SBDC offered tailored solutions to address the business's specific needs, enabling growth and increased financial stability.
True North Physician Services, LLC experienced approximately 4 times revenue growth and expanded its team over the past year, thanks in part to the readily available services of the Valley Community SBDC, which the owner credits for efficiently addressing nearly every challenge the business has faced.
