Arctic Playgroundz Coffee For Parents, Fun For Kids
As lifelong residents of Anchorage with roots that reach deep into the community, Shyla Dema and Jackie Shepherd identified a
need for a place where parents could go and relax while their children could let off some steam.
They knew they had a great idea, but the only problem was that they’d never owned a business before, and opening their doors seemed like an insurmountable undertaking.
So they came to the SBDC. Through ongoing counseling with an SBDC Business Advisor, Dema and Shepherd received feedback and direction on writing their business plan, finding a location, formalizing their partnership, navigating the building inspection process and obtaining their health permits.
“The SBDC was just so encouraging when we really needed it,” said Dema. “They helped the whole process not seem so overwhelming”
Playgroundz opened its doors in May of 2009 and Dema and Shepherd continue to seek out the SBDC for their counseling as the business grows.
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- Arctic Playgroundz Coffee For Parents, Fun For Kids
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The services of the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are available across Alaska, thanks to the support of our valuable partners.