-
In the heart of San Antonio, Zarinah Shakir and Salim Shakir own and operate AWW Services, a prominent pressure washing business. In 2004, Zarinah sought out assistance from the UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) after being referred by SCORE, with a simple ambition: to help her son earn an income. Little did she know that this decision would transform AWW Services into a resounding success story.
The turning point came in 2016 when Crystal Darby, Senior Business Advisor at the UTSA SBDC, began advising Zarinah. Crystal swiftly recognized the potential in AWW Services and provided invaluable guidance. She meticulously analyzed their financials, offering strategic insights on how to scale the business. Crystal efficiently provided advising guidance for Zarinah to handle funding inquiries. Zarinah secured grants, loans, and government solicitations. Crystal also provided much-needed support during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.In the face of adversity, AWW Services received crucial financial aid, including EIDL, PPP 1 and 2, and a Bexar County grant. These funds were utilized wisely for payroll, equipment maintenance, and day-to-day expenses. Furthermore, Crystal’s referral to Frost Bank led to the discovery of an exceptional bookkeeper, facilitating smoother financial operations for the company.The pandemic inflicted significant setbacks on AWW Services, resulting in the loss of numerous customers and a slowdown in government accounts. However, thanks to Crystal’s steadfast support and strategic planning, the business persevered. Now, as we progress into 2023, AWW Services is steadily regaining momentum and is on track to surpass pre-pandemic levels.Zarinah and her team attribute much of their prosperity to the UTSA SBDC. Grateful for the workshops, ongoing guidance, and readily available assistance, they credit Crystal Darby and the UTSA SBDC for saving them time and effort while navigating the complexities of the small business world.“Ms. Crystal Darby is incredible, a true asset and has been instrumental with helping us to stay in business during this post COVID era,” Zarinah says. “She has sent us grant information which we applied for and were recipients! We are able to pay our bills and loans.”Looking ahead, AWW Services is poised for even greater accomplishments, backed by a robust support system. The Shakir family are grateful for the ongoing support of the UTSA SBDC that empowers countless small businesses like theirs every day.Your Own Success Story Awaits! Reach Out Today! Are you seeking to establish or expand your small business? The UTSA SBDC and Institute for Economic Development are here for you, offering many resources, workshops, and personalized advising. Schedule your no-cost appointment with the UTSA SBDC now, and let us guide you towards your own success story!CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment with the UTSA SBDC, visit or call us at 210-458-2460.Photo above provided by: Zarinah Shakir and Salim Shakir -
In a remarkable display of collaboration and community spirit, the city of New Braunfels came together on May 30, 2023, to extend a warm welcome to Two Rivers Running as they joined the local business community.Representatives from the City of New Braunfels, Economic Development Corporation, and Spark Small Business Center/UTSA SBDC all actively participated, showcasing the power of collective support. Two Rivers Running, a valued client of Spark Small Business Center/UTSA Small Business Development Center since 2020, was embraced by a united community eager to foster growth and success.Committed to promoting healthy lifestyles, Two Rivers Running offers a diverse range of products sourced from local and small businesses, catering to various runner needs, from training programs to recovery modalities. The store goes above and beyond to personalize each customer’s running experience, ensuring they find the best products to meet their goals.Driven by a vision to inspire people to achieve their potential and celebrate their accomplishments, Two Rivers Running’s mission is to provide exceptional knowledge, services, and support to the running and walking community. They aim to build a community for runners and walkers of all levels, supporting every individual’s fitness journey.For those looking to start or grow their small businesses, the UTSA SBDC and Institute for Economic Development stand ready to help. Offering no-cost advising appointments, we empower entrepreneurs with valuable support and expertise.To seize this opportunity, schedule your no-cost UTSA SBDC advising appointment today! CLICK HERE to sign up online or give us a call: 210-458-2460.To reach out to the New Braunfels Satellite Office/Spark Small Business Center call: 830-358-7273. To learn more, CLICK HERE.Let the UTSA SBDC support you on your path to success. With the collaborative strength of the community behind you, there is no limit to what you can achieve.Together, let’s celebrate the triumphs of Two Rivers Running and be inspired to make your own mark in the entrepreneurial world.Photo above provided by: New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Lindsey Hall-Schwegmann
-
James Douglas “Doug” Camp, owner of D. Camp Foods, makes renowned heartburn-free chili – with four layers of heat.
After a word of mouth referral, Doug became a client of the UTSA SBDC in 2019. He meets with Senior Business Advisor, Crystal Darby, for assistance with expansion – specifically the steps for expanding from farmers markets to retail.
“I assisted Doug with figuring out the steps to bring his product to market,” Crystal says. “I referred him to Breakfast and Launch and provided information about farmers markets and commercial kitchens. I initially provided startup assistance. I discussed other programs he might participate in including the Go Texas certification. I advised him on how to grow his capacity so he can take advantage of the HEB Quest for Texas Best and we’ve discussed pricing.”
Doug has recently achieved the milestone of finding a co-packer.
“I was very unsure of the direction of my business and products,” Doug says. “Starting off at farmers markets was about as far as I saw my business going. Now going into my third year in business my products are gaining momentum to where now I’m having to consider co-packing them and gaining the attention of H-E-B. Having a mentor has helped me consider options for moving my business forward to meet the increasing business opportunities that are heading my way. I’m grateful to Ms. Crystal for having the time and patience to guide in this important process of working to enlarge my territory.”
The UTSA SBDC is here for YOU as you start or grow your small business. Schedule YOUR no-cost advising appointment today!
Click here to schedule an appointment or call: 210-458-2460.
Photo provided by: James Douglas “Doug” Camp
-
Raymond Lund had talent and passion in the recreational vehicle (RV) industry producing custom graphic designs and managing minor repairs. When the opportunity arose to purchase an existing RV shop, he chatted with the broker selling the business, but soon found that some deal structuring would be in order.
His lender at Texas Champion Bank referred him to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for feedback on the possible acquisition of the business and assistance with the business plan development.
Since supplemental income was generating some revenue, Lund and his SBDC Business Advisor, Hector Ramirez got to work on the financial projections, market research and documentation needed to win the lender’s approval.
Iron Horse RV Specialists can work on any brand of diesel or gas motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, has experience working with insurance companies and of course the sky is the limit when it comes to RV upgrades. They even offer a small RV campground for customers, and a full-service propane filling station.
“Hector was amazing,” Raymond Lund, Owner, Iron Horse RV Specialists, says. “I can guarantee you that I would not have been able to acquire my small business without him and the UTSA SBDC. I needed help and guidance and what I received far exceeded any expectations that I had. I had no idea where to get the required info for my business plan in order to submit it to the bank and Hector walked me through everything.”
The UTSA SBDC and Institute for Economic Development are here for YOU as you start or grow your small business.
Schedule YOUR no-cost UTSA SBDC advising appointment today! CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment or give us a call: 210-458-2460.
Photo provided by: Raymond Lund, Owner, Iron Horse RV Specialists
-
Sandra Lamb, owner of Talent Hatched, provides Ed-tech – linking students and industry. Sandra connected with the UTSA SBDC in 2017 by attending several workshops and receiving a referral from Geekdom for advising services.
Sandra decided to start an educational technology business based on her experiences at St. Philips College as a career counselor. With over twenty years of higher education & public sector experience along with being a first generation student herself, Sandra is very familiar with how career exploration & hands on learning can change lives in creating career pathways.
UTSA SBDC Senior Business Advisor Crystal Darby assisted as a mentor when Sandra was in the Geekdom Incubator program. She provided advice on ownership issues, revenue models, and market research from the SBDCNet.
Sandra opened her business in 2021. She was recently accepted into a national accelerator program named Gener8tor for Social Impact Equity in Education. The accelerator has a guarantee of significant investment and training to build the business.
“Ms. Darby and the UTSA SBDC have helped me grow in my self-confidence and entrepreneurial journey,” Sandra says. “Ms. Darby provided great resources and feedback when I was in Geekdom’s Civic Incubator. I appreciated her honesty and guidance. I have come a long way and I’m grateful. I give a lot of credit to Ms. Darby for believing in me and encouraging me to use the skill sets I’ve acquired in working in higher education to start my own business!”
The UTSA SBDC and Institute for Economic Development are here for YOU as you start or grow your small business
Schedule YOUR no-cost UTSA SBDC advising appointment today!
CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment or give us a call: 210-458-2460.