IT’S TIME TO PUT DREAMS TO WORK
Lisa Gutierrez, owner of Dos Hermanos Taco Truck, needs capital to hire more staff. She participates in a capital readiness workshop and receives guidance that helps her access a flexible, small business loan, enabling Lisa to expand her team. Lisa also learns about the shared services program, which connects her with an accountant, social media expert, and virtual assistant, freeing up her time so she can focus on business strategy.
Haleema Shafeek of Green Office Furniture Solutions attends a marketing workshop at her neighborhood entrepreneur support organization to learn how to reach new customers. The organization connects Haleema to a collaborative of Columbus anchor institutions, such as universities, government, and large corporations, that want to purchase more from local small businesses. With guidance from the entrepreneur support organization, Haleema submits a successful RFP response and wins a contract to provide commercial furniture to a large corporation.
SO THE SMALL STAY MIGHTY
Sarah Roell, the founder of south side-based Dynamic Flow Acupuncture and wellness collective Movements of Qi, meets with a business advisor at a local entrepreneur support organization for guidance around market research. Recognizing this common need, the organization meets with other entrepreneur support organizations and brings in a national expert to share best practices for coaching entrepreneurs on market research.
Rachel Maynard, the owner of Inspiration to Movement, a dance studio on Parsons Avenue, and Oyo Dance Company, is looking for guidance on marketing, board development, and long-range financial planning. She connects with a neighborhood merchants association and the online resource navigator tool to find quality resources, specific to her industry.