February 4, 2012
Kutztown SBDC: Agribusiness Success Stories
1. Dessert Manufacturer
Assisted a start up client in creating a streamlined, effective business plan and pitch to banks and potential investors. We provided client WISE research on competition and trends. We have assisted the company with networking with legal, financial and accounting contacts as they build their business. Currently as initial sales build, we are discussing a Market Access Grant for possible overseas sales and helping the client complete a work order to access the PA Overseas Trade offices in two countries.
2. Bread Maker
We have helped the company in analyzing pricing and pricing models, creating and modifying a marketing plan, serving as part of their advisory group and providing leads for potential sales. The client’s listing on the KU SBDC’s B2B websites also resulted in an incremental sale.
3. Snack Food Manufacturer
Assisted client in obtaining consecutive Market Access Grants to launch sales campaign in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Spain and Mexico as well as helped client access the PA Trade Offices in many overseas markets. We also assisted the client with customs and payment problems in Korea, Taiwan and Mexico. Provided client with input on marketing plan and served on client’s advisory board. Attended trade shows with client in Harrisburg, Philadelphia. Helped client network with the Manufacturers Technology Center to design a new pricing model for product inputs.
4. Aquaculture
Assisted client in obtaining export insurance to expand their exports especially in South America, the Far East and Africa. The export insurance also mitigated their cross-border payment risks. We helped client access Market Access Grants and we researched various new markets and barriers to trade using Kutztown graduate students. We successfully helped company clear products through customs in South America after its first shipment when a domestic producer tried to block US exports. We provided trade leads from various on-line data bases to client. Client’s export business has grown faster than domestic sales and is currently the largest segment of the client’s sales.
5. Pretzel Manufacturer
Completed a website analysis for the client benchmarking against key competitors. We assisted the client in obtaining a Market Access Grant to exhibit at the ANUGA trade show in Cologne, Germany, the largest in the world. Assisted the company in creating a viable business plan, designed new packaging and exporting products to the UK and Germany.
6. Co-Packer
Assisted the company in creating a new business plan and in obtaining Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund from the state of Pennsylvania to finance a new plant which considerably boosted their efficiency and sales. We also provided input on new company logos, labeling and products.
7. Seafood Pie
Assistance: The KU SBDC worked closely with a client to help him commercialize his product that he was baking at home for over 10 years. We assisted the client in identifying a co-packing, developing pricing models, obtaining a working capital line and assisting the client in finding packaging and a label designer. Client had initial sales to WholeFoods.
Copyright © 2012 Kutztown University Small Business Development Center. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer Privacy & Security Policy.
Website programming and hosting by Kinetic Web Solutions.
Website graphic design by Envisions Art & Design Inc.
On-line learning modules by
Small Biz U and
Virtual Advisor.
SBDC Spotlight
Bernadette Ward and Ladd Forsline
Colorfin, LLC
Traditionally, pastel colors are packaged as sticks; however, Co-founders Ladd Forsline and Bernadette Ward of Colorfin have manipulated the pastel formula, resulting in a lowdust, erasable, softer pastel, so soft it is packaged in a pan much like a makeup compact, called a PanPastel™. With help from KU SBDC consultants Alex Whan and Martin Brill, Colorfin has transformed its novel product into a booming international business. Read More
