unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Mr. James Serbin, an innovator with a groundbreaking idea for a portable winch system, encountered several challenges in advancing his invention. He needed guidance on protecting his intellectual property, lacked access to prototyping resources, and was unsure how to navigate the complex commercialization process. Additionally, identifying funding opportunities to support the development of his invention posed a significant challenge.
The New Mexico SBDC Technology Commercialization Accelerator provided Mr. Serbin with essential guidance to overcome these obstacles. The program assisted him in navigating the intellectual property process, enabling him to secure a patent for his portable winch system. He was connected to resources that facilitated the creation of a functional prototype, and the team worked with him to develop a roadmap for commercialization. Furthermore, the New Mexico SBDC Technology Commercialization Accelerator helped him identify potential funding sources to continue advancing his product.
With the support of the New Mexico SBDC Technology Commercialization Accelerator, Mr. Serbin successfully obtained a patent for his portable winch system, safeguarding his innovative design. He also advanced the development of his prototype, positioning his invention for further commercialization opportunities. Mr. Serbin's accomplishments demonstrate the pivotal role the New Mexico SBDC plays in helping entrepreneurs transform their innovative ideas into tangible milestones, paving the way for future success.
On the historic ancestral lands of the Taos Pueblo People, in the dawn shadow of Taos Mountain, along the life-giving acequia waters of the Rio Lucero, Kevin Whitefeather Cordova embarked on a journey to create and share a unique experience with visitors and locals alike that would allow them to immerse in the deep traditions and stories of the Red Willow people. His business, Whitefeather Native Cultural Tours, offers a blend of cultural education, storytelling, and authentic Native American experiences that reconnect people to the land, themselves, and each other.
Kevin faced several significant challenges when starting his business. He was initially on the fence about how to ask for the assistance he needed, unsure of the options, process, and whether he would qualify. The financial aspects of running a business, including pricing, taxes, accounting, and banking, were daunting and foreign to him. He also needed to ensure transparency with the Taos Pueblo to respect cultural sensitivities and maintain community integrity.
"Starting this business was a leap of faith, but with the support from the SBDC, I realized it was possible. The counseling and resources provided gave me the confidence to move forward. Seeing the joy and connection visitors experience during our tours reaffirms that this is my calling. We are all human beings, and through understanding and sharing our culture, we create a deeper sense of community."
Kevin turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UNM-Taos for guidance. With the help of the SBDC, he received startup assistance, one-on-one counseling, and valuable recourses, including an introduction to the Regional Development Corporation (RDC), which eventually led to a grant he used to build his website and invest in advertising. The SBDC counseling sessions helped him navigate the complexities of his business' finances, pricing strategies, and the importance of maintaining cultural integrity in his offerings.
With the support and guidance from the SBDC Center's Director, Anwar Kaelin, Kevin successfully launched Whitefeather Native Cultural Tours in February 2023. The business quickly gained traction, attracting both locals and tourists interested in authentic cultural experiences. Kevin's tours offer a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the land, hear traditional stories and drumming, and taste locally grown and prepared meals.
In his first year, the business has grown to include two part-time employees, and Kevin is now seeing his business's revenue grow monthly. His commitment to providing an educational and heartfelt experience has resonated with many, resulting in a fast-growing client base of individuals, couples, and groups nationwide.
Andrea Abedi and Hilary Kilpatric, founders of Kitchen Table Santa Fe (KTSF), faced multiple challenges in launching their community kitchen project in Santa Fe. They needed assistance developing a business plan and identifying funding to cover their ambitious project costs. Navigating city regulations was also a hurdle, requiring legal work and city council approvals to update the land use code and secure a special use permit for their chosen location. As the project progressed, they faced the complexities of hiring and managing employees, creating policies, and implementing software systems to manage kitchen scheduling and billing. Finally, as they opened their doors, Andrea and Hilary needed help marketing their business to grow their client base and expand their impact in the community.
The New Mexico SBDC played a key role in supporting Andrea and Hilary throughout their journey. The SBDC provided in-depth assistance with their business plan and funding strategy, helping them secure approximately $850,000 to move the project forward. The SBDC also offered guidance in navigating the legal and regulatory processes required to secure permits and approvals from the City of Santa Fe. As the project evolved, the SBDC advised them on hiring and employee management, including support with creating an employee handbook. Finally, the SBDC continues to assist Andrea and Hilary with marketing strategies to grow their client base and maximize the kitchen's impact on the community.
With the assistance of the SBDC, Kitchen Table Santa Fe successfully opened its doors in May 2023 after completing a $1 million construction project. The facility began with 15 businesses and has since grown to host 28 companies. They hired a full-time kitchen manager to oversee operations and interface with members. KTSF launched a collaboration with the Santa Fe Farmers' Market Institute, supported by a USDA grant, to reduce food waste through a freeze-drying program that benefits local farmers and the community.
In 2023, KTSF was named Business of the Year by the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, and in 2024, they received the Innovator/Educator Local Hero Award from Edible Magazine. Looking forward, Andrea and Hilary are preparing to launch a City of Santa Fe-funded program to support 18 new clients, including nine Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. Their success reflects their dedication to building a thriving community kitchen and the critical support of the New Mexico SBDC in making their vision a reality.
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