After a delayed grand opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pet lover and business owner Madelyn Duncan was finally able to celebrate the beginning of a new journey with her E-Z Care Pet Hotel and Boarding services. She already successfully operated in-home pet care services for several years, but wanted to take it to the next level.
When she decided to expand her services, she needed to rethink the business plan and model. Her vision was to offer new services, previously unavailable to the community, including day care and self-service grooming stations. She was recommended to the SBDC by the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce and was shortly paired with a consultant, who helped narrow her focus and refine her ideas. Her growth required a new building to accommodate new customers and new services.
Her SBDC consultant identified a potential lender, and Madelyn secured a $244,000 loan to cover the cost of the building, construction, and working capital. With this money, she initiated the construction process and subsequently applied for and received an additional $97,000 loan to cover unexpected issues.
The current pandemic essentially halted E-Z Pet Care’s construction temporarily. During this time, she was able to complete other operational projects, but, ultimately has had to delay her Grand Opening. She is currently operating in a ‘soft opening’ phase. She has plans to organize a Doggy Fashion Show as part of introducing her expanded business to the community. To maintain social distancing policies, the event will take place where she will welcome a variety of people and their fur babies. She also plans to invite local restaurants to serve food at this event.
The SBDC played a vital role in this entrepreneur’s expansion, with strategic guidance including a centralized business plan, industry research, and business guidance. Madelyn’s collaboration with the SBDC enabled her dream to become a reality.