unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Offering a vibrant menu of traditional flavors, fresh fruit desserts, refreshing drinks, and snacks, the Lopez family quickly won the hearts of locals. But starting a business during a pandemic was not easy. Not long after opening, road construction during crucial months for 2 summers in a row, created accessibility challenges for customers. Despite these obstacles, the Rochester community continued to show up, word spreading quickly that La Michoacana's treats were worth the slight inconvenience of roadwork.
"My advice to anyone looking to start a business, big or small, is to chase your dreams—no matter the size. If you don't pursue them, you'll never achieve them. Work hard, push through the challenges, and keep going. Success only comes to those who go after it."
Behind this resilient business was the determination and support of family. Their daughter Xitlalli Lopez took business classes and helped with accounting and bookkeeping, all while working full time. They also received help from the SBDC Small Business Development Center with the application process of the Main Street Grant, which provided critical funding through DMC Destination Medical Center. With this grant, Francisco was able to make shop improvements and invest in the equipment needed to deliver high-quality products. The SBDC team also provided him with startup assistance through counseling, financial advice and connected him with veteran resources.
La Michoacana Purépecha quickly became a beloved local gem, drawing praise from all over southern Minnesota. With this solid foundation, the Lopez family has now set their sights on growth, with a second location planned in Austin, MN, set to open in early 2025.
Francisco's entrepreneurial journey does not stop at La Michoacana. As the owner of Lopez and Son Construction, a successful construction and remodeling company, Francisco has created so many beautiful spaces around Minnesota. Together with his son, Francisco Ali Lopez, they have built a strong reputation for quality and dedication in southern Minnesota. Recently, the Lopez family's contributions and spirit of resilience earned them The Entrepreneur of the Year Awar for the RAEDI Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. R.A.V.E. Recognizing-Awarding Valuing-Entrepreneur Event. This event recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs. The SBDC was able to support them throughout the award process, helping the family prepare for media coverage and sharing tips on how to showcase their success.
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The challenge Twyla Myrin faced was ensuring she was fully prepared for the complexities of purchasing and running a grocery store, especially in a small town with limited access to other stores. Although she had a strong background in accounting, she lacked experience in the grocery business and needed guidance to develop a solid business plan and accurate financial projections. Working with an SBDC consultant helped her identify and address important details she had initially overlooked, allowing her to approach the business with a clearer, more informed perspective.
"Working with Skip opened my eyes to some things that I hadn't taken into consideration. It was really beneficial to me to walk into this with my eyes wide open. Skip let me know that I need to adjust this amount to account for this other issue. It was really beneficial."
The SBDC provided Twyla Myrin with valuable support in developing her business plan and financial projections. The consultant, Skip Carpenter, helped her identify key factors she had not initially considered, ensuring that she could approach her business with a well-rounded understanding. Specifically, he guided her in adjusting financial amounts to account for other potential issues, helping her walk into the business with her "eyes wide open." This support allowed Twyla to make more informed decisions and be better prepared for the challenges of running the grocery store.
As a result of working with the SBDC, Twyla Myrin was able to approach the purchase and operation of Market on Main with a clearer and more informed perspective. The guidance on her business plan and financial projections helped her identify important considerations she had initially overlooked, allowing her to adjust her plans accordingly. This preparation likely contributed to her confidence in managing the store and ensuring its success. Additionally, her focus on supporting local food producers and community values helped solidify Market on Main as a beloved and essential part of the Osakis community.
Katy Buhr faced numerous challenges as she worked to grow Up North Sewing & Embroidery, particularly after relocating to Coleraine, MN. Transitioning her business from "Mountain Girl Sewing" to a new brand required her to redefine her identity and connect with a fresh customer base. Building local partnerships was another hurdle, as Katy had to network with area businesses to showcase her work and establish credibility in her new community. Additionally, like many small business owners, Katy grappled with the isolation of running a business alone, managing every aspect from operations to marketing without a dedicated team for support.
To stand out in a competitive market, Katy sought innovative ways to expand her product offerings, such as creating upcycled items from brewery grain bags. However, scaling her operations to meet growing demand posed its own set of challenges, including investing in new equipment and preparing for larger markets. Strengthening her online presence also became crucial in today's digital-first world, adding to the demands on her time and resources. Above all, Katy needed to build her confidence and develop entrepreneurial skills to overcome these obstacles and propel her business forward.
"When you own your own business, sometimes it can feel like you're on an island alone. It was so helpful to be able to talk about business, goals, next steps, etc. Through each meeting, I truly felt like they wanted my business to be successful."
The Northland SBDC, in partnership with the Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), provided comprehensive support to help Katy Buhr grow Up North Sewing & Embroidery. They guided her through the re-branding process, helping her transition from "Mountain Girl Sewing" to a new identity that resonated with her community in Coleraine, MN. They also worked with Katy to strengthen her online presence, allowing her to reach a wider audience and showcase her unique handcrafted and upcycled products. The SBDC's encouragement to network with local businesses, such as Rapids Brewing Co., led to creative collaborations, including transforming brewery grain bags into eco-friendly products like tote bags and growler carriers.
In addition to practical business solutions, the SBDC provided Katy with personalized consulting to address challenges like setting goals and increasing customer engagement. The support of consultants Nichole Arbour and Molly Solberg gave Katy the confidence to embrace new opportunities and overcome fears. They also helped her plan for expansion, including investments in new equipment and preparation for larger vendor fairs. This combination of practical tools, strategic advice, and emotional encouragement laid the foundation for Katy's business success and positioned her for future growth.
Seeking guidance for her new location, Katy received invaluable support from the Northland SBDC and its partner, Itasca Economic Development Corp. Consultants Nicole Arbour and Molly Solberg helped her with rebranding, improving her online presence, and increasing in-person interactions, providing both practical solutions and emotional encouragement.
