From an Idea to Reality:
Great Northern Investments Expands
Corey Rossi had a big vision for his small business, one that he successfully turned into reality. In order to expand his business, he researched what would need to happen in order for him to build a new structure to house his postal service business while also opening up another business with room to rent to another tenant.
Alaska SBDC South Central Regional Director and Business Advisor, Julie Nolen, proudly worked with Rossi on tackling his vision. On the journey, she shared, “Corey had been awarded the Postal Contract for the Settlers Bay area and had been operating out of a facility located at the top of Settlers Bay neighborhood for several years. His vision was to create a new “Postal Plaza” more centrally located but still within a reasonable distance from the Settlers Bay neighborhoods. The Plaza would also include Grizzly Grounds coffee shop and one extra space to lease to another tenant. I worked with Corey extensively over the past year to help develop business plans and projections for both businesses while navigating the loan process.”
Today, a beautiful and welcoming new plaza is proudly serving the Wasilla community with excellent postal service and a delicious coffee shop, Grizzly Grounds. On his experience, Rossi shared, “Our involvement with the Alaska SBDC began when we decided to move one of our businesses from a leased space and build a new structure to accommodate it. The move created an excellent opportunity to expand our existing business and create yet another business within the new facility. Julie’s knowledge, skill, and patience were a great asset to us as we worked our way through the complicated business planning and financing process.
Without Julie’s help, we would likely still be mired in the administrative complexities of developing a new business. We highly recommend Julie and the Small Business Development Center to anyone embarking on the difficult process of building a new business.”
Rossi’s vision has not only allowed his business to grow, it has also allowed him to open up Grizzly Grounds, create new jobs, and provide rental space to other small businesses further stimulating the local economy. Connect with Great Northern Investments at 4075 South Country Drive Suite A, Wasilla, AK 99623.
