Highlights
- Business Expansion
- Owner Investment: $32,633
- Commercial Loan: $163,163
- SBA 504 Loan: $130,530
- Jobs Created: 10
- Jobs Retained: 10
Cecilia first contacted the El Paso Community College SBDC in 2009 to look at the possibility of purchasing a new building. The Dominguezes had been running the business from their home, and after experiencing a steady increase in sales were ready to expand.
Vertical 1 Communications had a grand opening ceremony at their new location on February 22, 2013. The new building is located on approximately 1 acre of land, and has office space, a 3,600 sq. ft. warehouse, and a large yard for equipment storage. In addition to increasing their business space, they were able to hire ten new employees. Sales are forecast to increase by 42% by the end of 2013.
Thank you to the SBDC and Joe Ferguson in helping our company with the assistance and guidance in becoming 8(a) approved and getting our SBA loan. – Nick Dominguez”
Highlights
- Business Startup
- Owner Investment: $7,000
- Commercial Loan:$75,000
- Jobs Created: 5
In September of 2013, Lewis found a relief doctor and a physician’s assistant, and was able to open a new practice called Big Bend Family Practice. Lewis contacted the
Lewis understands the importance of having a well-balanced and enthusiastic staff. She is excited about the potential Big Bend Family Practice shows, and is happy to have relief staff on hand so she can spend time with her family. Lewis plans on keeping in contact with the Sul Ross SBDC, and looks forward to bettering her practice and continuing to share her love of medicine with her patients.
I have worked with Loretta Garcia at the Sul Ross SBDC on two separate endeavors and find her assistance invaluable. – Rebecca Lewis”
Highlights
- Business Expansion
- Owner Investment
- Contract Awarded: $1.1 million
- Jobs Created: 12
- Jobs Retained: 12
Blake Leggett, an Air Force Veteran, enjoyed customizing accessory soft goods for himself and comrades while serving overseas, and thus the idea for LTS was born. Bryce Leggett fueled the fire with a determination to show the world his unique design capabilities, and has designed custom products for Special Warfare Groups within the Department of Defense. The brothers contacted the
After researching and identifying a void in “American Quality” in the men’s sporting gear and luggage market, LTS created White Wing Label. White Wing Label is now sold in over 250 retail outlets around the nation. LTS was awarded a $1.1 million dollar contract with the military, and the company is looking to expand into a women’s product line in the future.
The ASU SBDC and Peggy Rosser were instrumental in helping us negotiate obstacles in an efficient and positive manner. – Blake Leggett”
Highlights
- Business Startup
- Owner Investment
- Commercial Loan: $450,000
- Jobs Created: 4
In 2012, Esquivel moved to Eagle Pass, TX and approached the Rio Grande College SBDC for assistance in opening a new business. Soon after, Smile Factory Pediatric Dentistry was born. Business Advisor Cynthia Gomez, was able to help Esquivel create a business plan, and develop and package a loan presentation. She also provided technical
Smile Factory is currently the only pediatric dentist in the Eagle Pass area, and Esquivel looks to keep that strong presence in the community by continuing to learn and improve business practices by attending training provided by the SBDC. The company is experiencing great success, and Esquivel looks forward to continued growth, and the possibility of expanding his business.
I am very thankful for the assistance provided by the SBDC. Their guidance led me in the right direction, and helped me start my business. – Alejandro Esquivel”
Highlights
- Business Expansion
- Owner Investment: $250,000
- Increased Sales: $7.5 million
- SBA Loan: $1 million
- Jobs Created: 20
- Jobs Retained: 40
Prior to starting the business, Pat sought the guidance of several experts including business advisors Crystal Darby, with the UTSA SBDC and Deirdre Pattillo in the Employer Services Program and the Veterans Assistance Program within the UTSA SBDC PTAC.
McMullen Global Services has experienced considerable success in government contracting, and is eager to further expand into the commercial sector. They were recently able to focus the company’s marketing efforts on pipeline and electrical installation, and acquired a commercial contract with the largest pipeline firm in the United States.
The help from the UTSA SBDC has been invaluable. The program is a full-service group and one of the best kept secrets in San Antonio. – Pat McMullen”
Highlights
- Business Expansion
- Owner Investment: $600,000
- Commercial Loan: $45,000
- Jobs Created: 1
- Jobs Retained: 6
The Forgeys met with the Texas State University SBDC in 2012 to refine a business plan and marketing pitch to attract lenders and investors. They have since worked with Business Advisor Peg Richmond to expand distribution, establish overseas manufacturing, and address operational and human resource issues. With the help of the SBDC,
Future Show in 2013 with a new shirt that uses an athlete’s own motion to activate a lighted front logo and back graphic. They competed against 4,000+ worldwide entrants, and walked away the winner with a $25,000 prize. The Forgeys are excited about the momentum the win provided, and look forward to the continued growth and expansion of their business.
Through our SBDC advisor Peg Richmond we have been introduced to all sorts of partners and businesses that have helped propel our business. – Jenn Forgey”
Highlights
- Business Expansion
- Owner Investment: $13,000
- SBA Loan: $1.16 million
- Jobs Created: 1
- Jobs Retained: 10
The Drapers first contacted the University of Houston-Victoria SBDC to help with valuing and purchasing Freund Funeral Home. Business Advisor Lisa Barr, was able to assist them with a business plan and loan packet to present to
After purchasing the business, the Drapers welcomed their first son, Dawson. Dawn is currently staying home with their child, but continues to work with Barr on the day-to-day operations of the funeral home.
Our advisor, Lisa, was so helpful and patient throughout our SBA loan process. She truly is a blessing to the SBDC and this community. – Eric & Dawn Draper”
Highlights
- Business Acquisition & Expansion
- Owner Investment: $140,000
- Owner Financing: $155,000
- SBA Loan: $357,700
- Increased Sales: $2.6 million
- Jobs Retained: 8
Terry Brader served as the manager of the marine shop for twelve years before he decided he wanted to buy the business. Brader has developed a reputation for being one of the top marine equipment installers in Texas. After presenting a business plan to a local bank, Brader and his wife Shana were referred to the Del Mar College SBDC,
Since purchasing the business, the Braders were able to hire eight more employees, and are looking forward to continuing to grow their business. Seaworthy is now an authorized Garmin installer and repair center, and plans to expanded product selections online and in store from Hobie, Wilderness Systems, Costa Del Mar, and Sea to Summit.
Working with the Del Mar College SBDC and our business advisor was the turning point that helped us buy our business. – Terry & Shana Brader”
Highlights
- Business Expansion
- Contract Awarded: $135,000
- Jobs Created: 17
- Jobs Retained: 2
Marquez has been a client of the TAMIU SBDC for over a decade. In that time, he has received assistance with employee record keeping, payroll, HUB certification, marketing, and government contracting. He has also attended several of the SBDC workshops on business planning, QuickBooks, and employee supervision. Since beginning to work with the SBDC, Marquez has earned contracts with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles,
Marquez Nursery services a large part of South Texas, and looks to eventually expand to North Texas in residential and commercial sectors. Marquez will continue to work with the TAMIU SBDC to open a new machine shop that will specialize in fabricating building materials, such as steel beams and metal pipes for the construction and oil/gas industries. He also has plans to work with his TAMIU SBDC Business Advisor Tina Rodriguez to apply for an 8(a) certification in order to more effectively compete for federal contracts.
The TAMIU Small Business Development Center is an excellent program and I highly recommend their services. – Salvador Marquez”
Highlights
- Business Startup
- Owner Investment
- Commercial Loan
- Increased Sales: $1 million
- Jobs Created: 9
The Moncivaises have extensive experience in the industry. New to small business ownership, they contacted the UTPA SBDC for assistance. Senior Business Advisor Janie Caballero, provided direction and advice to help the
Thanks to the guidance of the SBDC, the Moncivaises obtained all licensing and permits required to operate the business and obtained funding to finish out the building and start the business. They were also able to hire nine additional employees. The couple plans on continuing to work with the SBDC on marketing and social media, and looks forward to improving and growing their business to help people in their community.
Our advisor, Janie, helped us develop a solid business plan and helped us package a loan proposal which ultimately led to our business startup. – Sarah Moncivais”