Using the project management skills that she mastered in the corporate world, Clara had no trouble creating a business plan and a timeline, but she struggled when it came to her financial projections. Clara states that the “SBDC was recommended to me by the bank I was working with to secure start-up funds. I was struggling with getting my numbers (start-up costs, financial projections, etc.) together and was encouraged to reach out to Keyona Kelly, an SBDC advisor. Understanding the bank’s ‘mentality’ in terms of what realistic and healthy financial growth looks like, that insight was and continues to be helpful as I assess where the business is currently and what I need to do to ensure steady growth moving forward.”

During Clara’s journey of opening her business, creating renovations and expanding, she remained in touch with her advisor. When asked how her advisor helped her the most, she explains, “This is a loaded question for me. My advisor was a therapist and business counselor all rolled into one. Being able to put all my angst, fears, and excitement on the table and have her understand, provide support, and her own set of ideas helped keep me grounded. On the other hand, Keyona provided – above and beyond the numbers – connections that assisted in my journey to understanding costs but better yet, cutting down on the costs.

Hold onto your “why” when launching a startup. You will face every form of stress possible when launching a business. It never goes fully as planned. Flexibility, faith, determination, and plenty of patience will get you to your launch, then never look back, only onward and upward.