Success Stories

Local Bakery Opens Doors to the Coastal Bend

Client holding an ice cream cone

Jenna Davis, owner of Southern Style Sweets, is a Del Mar College Culinary Arts graduate specializing in pastries and custom cakes. She contacted the Del Mar College SBDC in April 2022 for assistance to expand her home business of ten years to a commercial kitchen and storefront bakery.

Del Mar College SBDC Business Advisors Diana Robison and Mike Thompson teamed up to assist Jenna with several pieces of her small business. They guided Jenna through creating a business plan and understanding the licenses and permits required for the bakery. They provided local resources to assist in finding a new location and understanding the lease agreement. They also reviewed Jenna’s past financial performance to determine financial projections at the new location. Jenna was also advised of several loan options for her business.

Southern Style Sweets opened their doors in October 2022 and have not only gained new customers but have increased sales over the past 5 months. They have expanded their menu to include breakfast items, artisan breads, a lunch special on Fridays, and much more.

Veteran Fulfills Lifelong Dream of

Owning PizzeriaPizza owner stands in her shop

Pam Chavez, the owner of Sam and Louie's Pizzeria, fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning her own pizzeria. Pam contacted the Del Mar College SBDC after deciding to purchase Sam & Louie's Pizzeria franchise where she was able to find assistance with information on loan options, creating a business plan, financial projections, and more. 

With the help of SBDC business advisor, Denise Kaufman, Sam and Louie's Pizzeria is up and running successfully. Sam and Louie's pizzeria is bringing a new authentic twist to the pizza arena in Corpus Christi.

R&D Lawncare Maintenance

Plan to Leave Legacy Lawncare business partners standing by lawnmore

Eric Rios and Kevin Davis, owners of R&D Lawncare Maintenance, are natives of Corpus Christi, Texas. Both partners have over 20 years of experience providing lawn care services. After experiencing the effect COVID-19 has on jobs, they wanted to start a business to provide for their families and create something to hand down to their children.

With the assistance of the SBDC, they have been able to start their
business and win multiple commercial bids. Eric and Kevin are well on their way to changing the legacy of their families with the assistance of the Del Mar College SBDC.

In-Home Childcare Business Grows

to Commercial SiteChildcare business owner poses at business

Ms. Terrez Selestan, owner of Developing Little Geniuses LLC, was referred to the SBDC by another client. She was working on expanding her childcare business from an in-home to a commercial site. She needed assistance to learn how to manage the financials and payroll for her new LLC.

Terrez has continued to grow her business and has seen a considerable increase in sales. SBDC business advisor, Denise Kaufman, continues to guide Terrez in her knowledge of QuickBooks, financial statements, and other business components. With the assistance of the Del Mar College SBDC, Developing Little Geniuses LLC continues to teach and care for children in Corpus Christi, TX.