In January 2022, Alisha Maiolo and Austin Oelkers started detailing vehicles for Fox Ford in Wolf Point to supplement their income. Local communities began to hear about their hard work, and the demand for their services continued to grow. Alisha and Austin decided to take their detailing business, Big Sky Renovisions, full-time and knew they needed guidance to be successful entrepreneurs.
"We knew it was the right time to leap, but we needed guidance. We wanted to understand the steps involved and determine if it was truly feasible, and
Alisha and Austin contacted the Great Northern Development Corporation and SBDC Regional Director Quincy Walter for help. Quincy was able to help them create a business plan, loan applications, and cash flow projections. Alisha and Austin once again contacted Quincy for technical assistance and training recommendations.
With this assistance, Alisha and Austin could secure a Commercial Bank loan and Great Northern Development Corporation's GAP financing to help them purchase their new building in Froid. They also attended a Quickbooks training and were directed to the REAP program to equip their businesses for future success. To celebrate all their hard work, Big Sky Renovisions held a grand opening party in September to celebrate their success.
Amy Paden witnessed the need for childcare in the Missoula area and knew she could help. She was ready for a change after 17 years in the public school system. Amy had a passion for working with children in early childhood but had never owned or operated a business. She turned to the Missoula SBDC for guidance with budgeting, startup assistance, and business planning.
"I couldn't have done it without the business expertise shared through one-on-one sessions with Jason, that led to the creation of a budget and business plan that ultimately hasled to a viable business start up in Missoula.”
Amy was referred to the network's childcare business specialist, Jason Nitschke, who is embedded at Zero to Five Montana and the Montana Child Care Business Connect program. Jason helped Amy with market research, team-building, project costing, and strategic planning, among other things.
Amy obtained $663,000 in financing for start-up costs and officially opened her business, plAyBCs, on August 1, 2023. plAyBCs is an Early Childhood program based in a safe and comfortable home setting. They are licensed for eight full-time slots and currently serves 13 families. The opening of plAyBCs has increased the amount of high-quality, licensed childcare slots in Missoula. Amy has enabled parents to re-enter the workforce and advance their careers confidently. Her hard work has created economic growth and significantly impacted the Missoula community
In 2023, Matt Dean decided to open his own electrical contracting business. Matt has over 20 years of experience in the electrical industry. He holds a master electrician license in four states and a journeyman license in two. Matt is also a Montana Renewable Energy Association member and belongs to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Matt knew he had the qualifications but needed help with a business plan and cash flow projections to secure a loan.
"I was looking for help with a business plan and cash flow projections. Kristi was helpful in providing feedback on both and explained the needed ch
Matt reached out to the Bozeman SBDC Regional Director Kristi Gee for assistance. Kristi provided a business plan template, cash flow projections, and business attorney referrals. After reviewing all the documents, Matt was able to understand all of the details of his business before seeing a lender. Matt received a loan to purchase the necessary equipment to start his business.
By starting Big Sky Power and Solar, Matt provides Livingston with its sole union electrical contractor. Matt also assists individuals in the local workforce who want to learn the electrical trade by referring them to the local union. He promotes cross-functional collaboration, driving apprentices, journeymen, and foremen to complete projects within strict time frames. Matt is the proud owner of one of the only union solar contracting businesses specializing in solar power installation. He hopes to continue filling this need in his community while providing job opportunities in his community while providing job opportunities in his field.
