Scrapaholics 

Almost a year ago, Donna Burcham and Eva Bell  met with the Alaska SBDC, South West Region Director for assistance on their business plan.  Over several weeks, the director assisted them with their new business plan, including financial projections, basic marketing ideas and information on different business structures.  Since then, Donna has expressed her gratitude in the use of the Alaska SBDC’s online business planning program and its projections spreadsheets.

Through this detailed and in-depth assistance, the women were able to open their business, Scrapaholics.  Now in business for  more than a year, the business owners have turned to the Alaska SBDC for further assistance to help them expand their business promotion.

They recently attended this region’s Alaska SBDC Small Biz Fair.  This event proved to be another insightful and significant experience in which they have the Alaska SBDC to thank.  By attending the Small Biz Fair, Donna and Eva were able to present their products and services to a room filled with local businesses.  They gained experience in public presentations and found greater confidence in their ability to market and promote their business.

In addition, the research savvy business owners found an online inventory and cash registry program called “Point of Sale.”  This program integrates with QuickBooks and the credit card machine. This “Point of Sale” system, in addition to the company’s barcoding,  makes inventory control, sales and ordering easy.

Though small, their store encourages visitors to be comfortable and enjoy their surroundings.  The use of space is extraordinarily organized, with creative ideas displayed throughout, highlighting their product offerings, with clean spaces for laying out the visitors own designs.

Donna and Eva continue to see the Alaska SBDC as a great resource and champion for their business success by stating, “Each time we visited the Alaska SBDC, we came away with useful information, … we were encouraged to continue.  Now, almost a year later, we continue to take advantage of the services provided…”