unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Wendy's challenges included navigating the complexities of business operations, marketing, and finance.
"Rock Steady Boxing is a high-intensity exercise program effective in managing Parkinson's symptoms. Delivered by medical professionals, it can slow disease progression. The competitive environment, group support, and focus on voice activation, coordination, and sequencing engage the brain in ways traditional exercise doesn't.
To be able to make a list with somebody, and make sure I was doing everything I needed to be, like running my marketing strategy and numbers by someone and making sure things were going to be set up in a sustainable way for success was huge. They connected me with resources to chat about QuickBooks and to figure out the best website software and what was necessary for accounting and that sort of thing."
With the support of Regional Directors Audie Cunningham and Rob Condie at the Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network, she was able to overcome these hurdles and establish a solid foundation for Tributary Wellness.
"They connected me with resources to chat about QuickBooks and to figure out the best website software and what was necessary for accounting and that sort of thing."
Tributary Wellness has significantly impacted the lives of individuals with Parkinson's disease. The program's unique approach has shown promising results in improving motor function, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life. Within the first year, Tributary Wellness impacted 25 clients, 80% of whom maintained or improved their function.
Wendy's vision for the future of Tributary Wellness includes expanding the program to Montana and offering remote sessions to reach more people in need. She aims to empower individuals nationwide to take control of their health and wellness.
Cash flow management and balancing work-life commitments were among the hurdles Candice and Timothy Young navigated.
"Another constant challenge for me is that I added the title of small business owner to an already busy life," Candice said. "We both handle more aspects of the business than will be doable much farther into the future. I still homeschool three of my children and 'attempt' to run our home. It is tempting to keep doing everything yourself when you know exactly how you want something done, but we've had to make the call to hire sometimes instead and invest the time and energy to train our staff to take over some of our tasks."
Timothy and Candice attribute commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and employee development as the cornerstones of their success. "Our single most important strategy for growth and success is to 'Do what you say you will do.'"
The SBDC's guidance and resources helped Bear Lodge Electric navigate the complexities of business accounting. "Our initial meeting with P.J. Burns was just what we needed to get our minds wrapped around all the crazy details of starting a business," Candice said. "She connected us with an associate in the state who helped with my initial QuickBooks set up and beginner bookkeeping questions."
Bear Lodge Electric has experienced significant growth and continues to expand its team and diversify services. Timothy and Candice attribute commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and employee development as the cornerstones of their success.
The couple's diverse skill sets have been instrumental in the company's success. Timothy's technical expertise and problem-solving abilities, coupled with Candice's organizational talents and strategic mindset, have proven to be a successful pairing. Bear Lodge Electric is on track to earn $1 million in its second full year of business.
As a small business owner, Alyse has had to overcome challenges such as managing several roles and learning business management.
"If I could give any advice to a small business owner starting out, it would be to learn as much as possible and know that you're not going to do your actual job that you wish you could be doing because you're going to have to market, you're going to have to network, you're going to have to learn how to do accounting."
"I learned about the Small Business Development Center by coming to the library and going to one of the educational programs. Something that inspired me to actually start meeting with people at the Small Business Development Center was Kenny (Overby). He was very nice, he was very open and honest, and felt very welcoming."
Alyse attends many SBDC webinars and events at the Laramie County Library. She has worked closely with Regional Director Kenny Overby and the Market Research team to establish her business. "I've taken up every free opportunity Small Business Development Center offers, like their researching and their marketing team and everything like that. And I think it's definitely something that if you put into it, you're going to get what you put in."
During her time consulting with the SBDC, Alyse has continued to support the wellness of her community and network and has steadily increased her client numbers. Her practice is now accepted by all major insurance providers.
