Challenge: A 95-year-old family campground needed to modernize infrastructure, navigate complex coastal permitting, and fund eco-friendly upgrades—all while preserving critical wetlands and maintaining affordable coastal access for all income levels.

Solution: Partnering with Marin SBDC, the family developed detailed business plans, navigated complex permitting requirements, and aligned their financials with lender and regulatory requirements.

Results: Secured a $4.2M PACE loan, retained 24 staff, installed solar power, boosted retail revenue to 45%, and gained permits for 20 new rental cottages—all while managing a 337-site campground that serves thousands annually.

Challenge: Karina and Ana spent years searching for the ideal restaurant location, only to face major hurdles securing funding in time. A slow loan process and workforce shortages threatened to derail everything they’d worked toward.

Solution: With guidance from SBDC Advisor Richard Strezo, they evaluated location feasibility, crafted a compelling loan application detailing cash flow and funding use, and overcame lender hesitations through strategic support and consistent encouragement.

Results: Opened in 2022 with $273K in funding plus $100K owner investment. Achieved 75% sales growth, expanded to 17 employees, and built strong community partnerships with local farms and vendors.

Challenge: Furloughed in 2020, Rory Kandel began baking cookies at home without a clear business roadmap. She lacked knowledge of permits, licensing, and how to turn a pandemic side hustle into a viable company.

Solution: Paired with Solano-Napa SBDC advisor Anni Minuzzo, Rory received one-on-one guidance on food permitting, operations, and growth strategy. Through the 2024 Napa Success Accelerator, she developed her pitch deck and secured a $2,500 grant.

Results: Grew from home kitchen to a Napa storefront with its own commissary. Her frozen cookie dough is now stocked in local stores, and she’s helping other bakers launch their own ventures.