Entrepreneurialism entails ups and downs and every emotional state in between. We see it every day, and we have found that persistence, education, and network development always plays a role in entrepreneurs growing into established successful companies.

Since our inception, we have seen thousands of entrepreneurs launch successful startups, expand existing businesses, or return a business to profitability. Here are a few clients who have shared their stories with us.

Yoga for the Peaceful

As a child, Brittany Phelps always dreamed of owning a yoga studio. As she grew, she gained more knowledge around the art of yoga and became an instructor. Eight months ago, that dream became a reality. Not one to take risks, she took a risk when she took over ownership of Yoga for the Peaceful in Crested Butte, Colorado. Early on, Brittany experienced difficulty deciphering business documents. Another challenge she faced was learning how to …

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RoShamBo

Mallory Logan has moved from employee to owner of RoShamBo, a marketing and design shop. This out of the box creative business is celebrating its seventh year in business in Gunnison. “I started as an intern when I was a graphic design student at Western in 2008,” Mallory said. “ I have loved every minute of being here.” The creative firm was founded by Delaney Keating, who mentored Mallory to eventually take over the business. …

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Outlaw Spirit

Ingrid Lundahl wanted to publish a table top retrospective book of her photos from the late 1970s up to present day from around Telluride and at various events she attended. Ingrid felt that she had captured the essence of Telluride during this time as she photographed many stars and musicians who have graced this outrageous little mountain town, in addition to images of its dazzling beauty. A congenital chronicler, Ingrid couldn’t help but capture all …

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Montrose Manor B & B

Freddie and Tom Hancock took one look at their new home in Montrose and saw something beyond a magnificent house. Their dream was to transform it into a bed and breakfast, plus a base for their not for profit animal rescue operation. Familiar with SBDC consulting services in Arizona where they had moved from, the Hancocks contacted the SBDC for assistance in achieving their dream. Freddie gave the SBDC consultant a tour of the 12,500 …

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Montrose Eagle Taxi Service

Disabled veteran John Casedy doesn’t drink alcohol; however, he enjoys the social part of going to the local bars. Recently, one night he stayed until the bar closed. He noticed that everyone left and drove home – sober or not. He offered to take several folks home who clearly shouldn’t have driven. During the drive, they discussed the need for a taxi service from the bars. John saw this business opportunity. The next day, he …

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Mochas! Drive-Thru Coffee House

Barb Carroll opened Mochas in May of 1997, after about 5 months of research and planning. The first location was a 120 square foot building. After 3 years at that location, Mochas relocated to a larger building (750 square feet) and expanded the menu to include smoothies, sandwiches, and ice cream, as well as inside seating for 16. In January of 2007, Mochas expanded again by leasing the neighboring unit and removing a large wall. …

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Heartsong’s Caribbean Crunchies

Sometimes a little bit of capital – somewhere in the range of $2,500 to $3,500 – is all a business owner needs to get started or to make a small change. This capital can help build a website, buy equipment, or – as the story of Ron Edwards will show you – open a quaint, Caribbean-themed café in Crested Butte. Born in New York, Edwards’ journey to Western Colorado is a story of resiliency. He …

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D’Medici

When D’Medici Footwear opened this spring, Susan Bony saw the need to introduce Debbie Tenaglia to Jim Sigle. As a counselor for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Susan works with a variety of businesses and non-profits throughout the Montrose area helping them prosper. Susan knew both Debbie and Jim, but why introduce these two people? Debbie owns D’Medici Footwear in Montrose and Jim Sigle is a custom boot maker from Delta. Susan saw the …

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CASA of the 7th Judicial District

Court Appointed Special Advocates of the 7th District, or CASA, as they are commonly referred to, underwent a huge transition in early 2014 starting with a reorganization and downsizing. Then, only a few weeks later its executive director resigned with short notice to take care of her ailing parents in another state. Carlton Mason was promoted to be the new executive director. Although Carlton had owned his own business and was working on a contract …

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A&Y Design Gallery

The smells of fresh roasted coffee and other pleasant scents waft through the air as you enter A&Y Design Gallery in downtown Montrose. Adam & Yesenia Duncan opened A&Y Design Gallery in 2013. The original concept was a gallery that displayed and sold local artisans work and Adam’s hand-made wood furniture. Although the business had been profitable since opening their doors, Yesenia and Adam aspired for more. A friend recommended they contact the SBDC. Discussing …

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