unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Laurie Pearman and Sarah Keck faced multiple challenges in their journey to open Common Ground Coffee Shop, including skepticism as female entrepreneurs, limited commercial space that required extensive renovations, and financial limitations that necessitated external funding.
"We've been helped by so many established businesses, creators, organizations, and outright strangers along the way in countless and often unexpected ways. We had no idea that starting a business would be so emotional or so wholesome."
Their regional SBDC consultant offered critical financial projections, practical advice, and guidance on the loan application process, encouraging Laurie and Sarah to set realistic expectations, be precise in their planning, and prioritize quick self-sufficiency. This support was instrumental in helping them secure an SBA loan to launch their business.
Since opening on June 1, 2024, Common Ground Coffee Shop has successfully established itself as a community hub, hosting various events and attracting locals. They achieved significant community support, highlighted by a successful crowdfunding campaign to complete a patio space. As of October 15, 2024, they employ 10 part-time staff, have recorded 18,629 sales tickets, and generated approximately $198,000 in sales. The grand opening, attended by Boise Mayor McLean, marked a milestone with a record 310 tickets sold in one day.
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Taylor Rees and his partner, Montana Martens, launched Happy to Help to address the gaps in the home care industry, particularly around fair wages for caregivers and sustainable operations. Rees faced the challenge of finding insurance companies with reimbursement rates that could support a living wage for his employees. Additionally, expanding services to areas outside Pocatello while managing rapid growth required innovative solutions in onboarding, operations, and management.
"We meet with Ann at the SBDC [Region 5] every month. She is a great sounding board and her ideas have helped me navigate growing pains."
The Southeast Idaho SBDC provided critical guidance to Happy to Help from the beginning, offering support with business planning, growth strategies, operations, marketing, and employee management. Monthly meetings with SBDC consultant Ann provided Rees with valuable insights to navigate growth challenges, while Claudia assisted with bookkeeping and financial management, laying a strong foundation for sustainable operations.
In its first year, Happy to Help saw exponential growth, doubling its client base each month throughout 2023 and ending the year in profit. Rees successfully hired 150 employees, including three full-time management staff, and expanded services to new areas. The streamlined onboarding process allowed Happy to Help to efficiently accommodate new clients and employees, reinforcing their mission of providing quality care and fair wages for caregivers.
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Ed Welsh, recognizing the lack of essential laundry facilities on Pocatello's west side, saw an opportunity to support an underserved community by opening The Laundry Barn near the only grocery store downtown. Initially, he faced hurdles, including navigating overpriced business opportunities and zoning issues, and later needed support with licenses, permits, and financial management to make the laundromat a reality.
The SBDC, through consultant Claudia Allen [Region 5], provided essential guidance on business licenses, securing a Seller's Permit, and setting up QuickBooks Online for sustainable financial management. Claudia's continued support allowed co-owner Peggy Welsh to confidently oversee finances while Ed focused on operations. This support enabled The Laundry Barn to address a community need and provide reliable laundry services to a previously underserved area.
Since its opening in July 2023, The Laundry Barn has become a valuable community asset, providing access to clean laundry facilities for residents who previously lacked convenient options. Its success prompted Ed and Peggy to expand by acquiring a second laundromat, rebranded as The Laundry Barn 2, which opened in January 2024. This family-run business now supports the local economy by hiring and engaging family members and meeting a critical need for accessible, quality laundry services in Pocatello's underserved areas.
