unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
In 2017, Jody Brown rented a storefront to sell her professional photography. Quickly realizing the potential for growth, she soon added a coffee bar to the gallery, which sparked an unexpected shift in the business model. Over time, the coffee bar became the focal point of the business, and Jody’s vision expanded along with it.
By 2023, the business had a loyal customer following and an outstanding reputation, boasting a 4.9-star rating on Google. But it was still operating out of a rented facility with limited space, parking, and accessibility. While the community had embraced the restaurant, the space was no longer suitable to accommodate its growing customer base, and without a larger and more accessible location, future growth seemed impossible.
Jody and her team were faced with the challenge of finding a facility that would allow them to meet the demands of both locals and tourists in a rural area near the Umpqua National Forest and Crater Lake National Park.
Jody turned to the Umpqua SBDC, which helped her assess the business’s needs, including the importance of securing financing for a larger location. In collaboration with local lenders, she was able to acquire the necessary financing for the new property.
Throughout this process, her SBDC adviser offered continuous support, ensuring that Jody was on the right track. They helped her navigate the complexities of business expansion, including the approval of building plans and securing financing.
In June 2024, after months of hard work and unexpected challenges, The Atom Bistro and Coffee Bar opened its new, state-of-the-art facility. The new location features double the seating capacity of the original, along with plentiful parking and a convenient drive-thru window. The space is designed to accommodate both locals and tourists, and it also includes a covered, open-air event space for community gatherings. The interior features a warm, inviting atmosphere with a giant open-hearth fireplace, making it a cozy destination for visitors.
The menu has expanded, too, offering a wide range of options, including the area’s largest vegan and gluten-free selections made from original in-house recipes. The Atom now serves local wines, ciders, and craft beers. And a gift shop selling local merchandise, original artwork, and edible gifts provides an additional revenue stream. The new location allows Jody to give back to the community by offering access to the area’s first green space, intended for hosting local events.
Thanks to the Umpqua SBDC’s support and guidance, The Atom has transitioned into a modern, thriving business that continues to positively impact the community. With its new, iconic location, the business is positioned for even greater growth and success.
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The construction industry can be overwhelming for newcomers, especially without a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape, customer relations, and the bidding process. Sandra Cayetano Nava dove into this male-dominated field with a passion for construction, launching Gabino's Fences & Construction in the Portland Metro area. However, she faced numerous challenges, including navigating the necessary steps for becoming a licensed contractor, managing customer contracts and documentation, and creating effective bids for various projects.
Despite her exceptional drive and commitment to learning, Sandra recognized that she needed additional training and guidance to ensure that her new business would be built on a solid foundation.
Sandra turned to the Clackamas SBDC for the support she needed to navigate the challenges of launching her business. She enrolled in pre-licensure training, which gave her the tools to pass the CCB contractor exam and obtain the necessary licensing. Clackamas SBDC advisers also provided guidance on everything from customer contracts and documentation to bidding and project management.
Their expertise helped Sandra establish a solid operational foundation for her business. Sandra's Clackamas SBDC advisers also introduced her to the Government Contracting Assistance Program, which opened the doors for her to bid on larger projects and grow the company.
As her business expanded, Sandra received continued support from the Clackamas SBDC to ensure success. She has plans to continue to scale her business and will do it knowing she has the backing of her Clackamas SBDC advisers to guide her through each step.
Gabino's Fences & Construction has flourished. What started as a small residential and commercial fencing business has now expanded to preparing bids for larger public projects.
Sandra's increased profitability and confidence in managing her business have been directly tied to the training and guidance she received from the Clackamas SBDC. With a strong grasp on effective marketing, customer management, and bidding processes, Sandra is now able to compete in this challenging industry with clarity and determination.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of the construction field, Sandra's business is well-equipped for sustained growth, and she is poised to hire her first employees, further expanding her impact. Sandra's success is a testament to the power of support, training, and strategic business coaching, which have empowered her to achieve her goals with confidence.
Latina women, especially those living in the United States, often face barriers to receiving proper nutrition education due to cultural, language, and systemic healthcare challenges. Recognizing this significant gap and an alarming trend of malnutrition within this community, coupled with health disparities, Mariela Fernandez became driven to make a difference. Through her personal experiences and academic background in nutrition, she understood the critical need for accessible and culturally relevant health education.
Mariela's mission was to empower these women with the tools and knowledge to take control of their health and wellness, focusing on nutrition and diet as key factors for a better quality of life. However, Mariela faced a challenge in navigating Oregon's business landscape. While she had a clear vision and mission, she was uncertain about the business requirements, including the legal and regulatory landscape, licensing, insurance needs, and how to reach her target audience. To ensure that her business would succeed and reach as many people as possible, she realized she needed expert guidance to help her launch with the right strategy.
"I recommend the SBDC because it is an excellent place to start a business from scratch, with the guidance of business advisers. I believe having knowledge and a strong understanding of what it will take to launch and operate a business will increase the likelihood of its success."
Mariela turned to the Chemeketa SBDC for the expertise she needed to understand Oregon's business requirements. The SBDC became an invaluable resource for her as she developed a business plan and navigated the process of licensing, insurance, and other regulatory concerns.
The business advisers at the Chemeketa SBDC helped Mariela understand how to legally structure her business and ensured that she met all local compliance standards, including registering with the necessary health and nutrition boards. Additionally, the Chemeketa SBDC advised Mariela as she was developing her website and expanding her online presence, ensuring that her business reached the Latina community she aimed to serve. The support extended to building her social media strategy, helping her to connect directly with potential clients and raise awareness about her services.
With the Chemeketa SBDC's assistance, Mariela gained the confidence and resources to launch Holistic Nutrition, positioning herself as a trusted expert in the field. The Chemeketa SBDC's comprehensive support allowed her to focus on her core mission of transforming the nutritional habits and health outcomes of Latina women, while also providing the tools for her business to succeed.
Holistic Nutrition today offers personalized services, including health and fitness evaluations, meal plans, and ongoing support to help Latina clients achieve their health goals.
Mariela's business is not only addressing immediate nutritional concerns but also empowering Latina women with the education and resources they need for long-term health transformation. In addition to one-on-one services, Mariela plans to expand her offerings to include wellness programs that will involve collaborations with healthcare professionals to support disease prevention and holistic health. She is also working on further developing educational resources aimed at raising awareness about the importance of nutrition in managing chronic conditions common within her target demographic.
With her mission rooted in empowerment and health equity, Mariela is well on her way to making a lasting impact in the Latina community. Thanks to the support of the Chemeketa SBDC, Holistic Nutrition is poised for growth—and poised to contribute to a healthier, more vibrant future for Latina women in Oregon.