Los Alamos Small Business Development Center
The Los Alamos Small Business Development Center offers
FREE,
confidential business consulting, training courses, resources and business plan assistance for northern New Mexico businesses. Whether you already own a small business or are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, the SBDC can help you climb the ladder of success. We will work with you to get on the right track and support you as you face the challenges of today's business climate.
2009 Los Alamos Success Client...Pet Pangaea
Cyndi Wells was growing frustrated by being forced to drive to Santa Fe to purchase dog food after the pet store in Los Alamos closed. She thought the community deserved a local pet store that carries quality supplies and nutritious foods, has good prices, and is a fun, clean place to shop with friendly, knowledgeable staff. So, the process of conceiving of
Pet Pangaea and making the store a reality began in September 2004. She first visited with a counselor at the UNM-LA Small Business Development Center in October of that year to make sure she had all of the correct paperwork for forming the company. She planned the store from the perspective of what would make her happy as the customer. Also, she holds a strong belief that, as a member of the community, the store must support local organizations that promote adoption and responsible pet ownership. And, when Pet Pangaea chooses which products to offer, finding products that are eco-logically friendly and made in the U.S.A. is an important priority. Moving quickly, Cyndi was able to open her doors on February 19th, 2005.
Pet Pangaea has experienced tremendous growth over its five years in Los Alamos. Revenue has increased by 280% from year one to year five. The store has five employees and has undergone several expansions. Initially offering 1,000 products,
Pet Pangaea now carries over 6,000 items to choose from. Next year,
Pet Pangaea, plans to expand again, increasing its retail footprint from 900 square feet to over 4,000 square feet. This major expansion will include several exciting new offerings including a new aquatics department, dog self wash stations, and an underwater treadmill for doggy fitness.
When asked about her involvement with the UNM-LA Small Business Development Center, Cyndi was very excited about her recognition and said, "The SBDC has been extremely helpful to the success of my business. As a small business owner, getting bogged down in the day-to-day activities of the store is easy to do. I love the great classes offered by the SBDC because, not only do I always take away new ideas and ways to improve my business from the classes, but I am reminded to step back and concentrate on important business issues."
Pet Pangaeas mission is to contribute to the well-being of the pets in the Los Alamos area; it wants all pets in the community to be happy, healthy, and safe pets. More information can be found at the stores website
www.petpangaea.com. Also, be sure to
Follow Pet Pangaea on Twitter for all the latest updates.
The Los Alamos Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the place to visit for no-charge, confidential, professional advisement and support.
If you are interested in learning more about what we can do for you and your business, please send us an
email and
Follow US on Twitter to receive updates regarding upcoming workshops and business tips.
The SBDC offers:
Free one-on-one business counseling
Training workshops for small business
Referrals to local resources
Sponsorship of local Youth Business Grant Program
Topics include:
Bookkeeping & Accounting
Cash Flow Analysis
Business Start-up & Financing
Gross Receipts Tax
Marketing
Management Assessment
Management Policy
Business Plan Development
Productivity Issues
Proposal Preparation
Our workshop series uses expert presenters to address the educational needs of small businesses and organizations in Los Alamos. Customized training courses/programs can be developed by special arrangement.
Valuable workshop topics include:
Legal Forms and Issues
Tax Preparation
Advertising & Public Relations
Marketing & Customer Service
Recruiting & Team Building
Leadership & Management Skills
Business Plan Development
Time Management & Productivity Issues
Bookkeeping and Accounting
Personnel Policies and Issues
Cash Flow Analysis
Local Business Partners
Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation
Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce
Los Alamos MainStreet
Los Alamos Business Incubation Program
Coronado Ventures Forum
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos Research Park
For more information or to sign up for one of our workshops, please call (505) 662-0004 or
click here to view our current schedule.
Emiley Bainbridge, Certified Business Analyst
Bryan Farmer, Certified Business Analyst
Heather Campbell, Administrative Assistant
UNM-Los Alamos
Small Business Development Center
190 Central Park Square
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 662-0004
(505) 662-0099 fax
Hours: 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
If you are interested in learning more about what we can do for you and your business, please send us an
email.
