Solano Success
“Entrepreneurship can be lonely and exhausting, but the best part about this program has been connecting with advisors and other local business owners through the Solano-Napa SBDC who are simply there to cheer you on.” – Alli Harris, Because Carbs
The Solano-Napa SBDC’s six-week Solano Success Accelerator program has given area business owners the unique opportunity to dive deep into the inner workings of their business and develop a plan for the future – all culminating in a $4,000 grant to help them grow and expand!
With an intensive curriculum that includes participants meeting one-on-one with SBDC advisors while developing and presenting a ‘pitch’ for their business, Solano Success aims to help businesses recover and thrive in Solano County. The capital attached to the program is funded through Solano County’s American Rescue Plan Act. Altogether, 100 Solano County business owners will go through Solano Success in 2023 and 2024.
For Carmen Milagro, owner of DIVINA – which will soon launch its CBD/Hemp product line Soothe – Solano Success came at an ideal time. The COVID pandemic forced her to pivot and re-start her entire business.
“I had to reinvent not only my company and my brand but myself as well,” said Milagro, who in the last few years has published books on Hemp/CBD and started her own online series, Wellness 360 with Carmen Milagro. “But there is only so much you can do as a solo entrepreneur. You need that help from experts who have already been where you are. That’s why I joined Solano Success.”
Read on to learn more about Solano Success participants…
“The first thing Solano Success helped me to do was to edit down my ‘pitch.’ With the team’s help, I was able to drill down to a concise five minute summary of what I’ve created. The most valuable component is being able to work with advisors who TRULY care about what I am building and actually took the time to listen to everything I had to say. Just knowing I am no longer alone on this journey has been the greatest gift. I now have 5-year financial projection plan that is ready to share with a potential partner/investor. THIS is gold!”
— Carmen Milagro, owner, DIVINA
“Being a part of the Solano Success Accelerator Program has helped me grow tremendously. I learned how to create a business strategy, leverage my unique competitive advantages, and have a clear vision of where I want my business to go in the next five years. Entrepreneurship can be lonely and exhausting, but the best part about this program has been connecting with advisors and other local business owners through the Solano-Napa SBDC who are simply there to cheer you on. This group of inspiring individuals has given me a space to gain knowledge, feel confident, and ask questions — something I would otherwise not have access to as an introvert.”
— Alli Harris, Owner, Because Carbs
“If you are looking for networking group or a mentorship for your company, you need to check out Solano-Napa SBDC/Solano WDB. I was originally looking for grant opportunities for our family business and I had almost given up when we were luckily chosen for the Solano Success program. It was a true blessing going through the program. My father mentioned he had wished there was a mentorship program like this when he started as an entrepreneur. Their program is filled with knowledge in all topics of business fundamentals. I feel so much more confident in leading my father’s legacy knowing I can continue to confide in local businesses going through the same struggles.”
— Martha Ramirez, Owner, taqueria Los Amigos
“I want to send a big thank you to the Solano County Supervisors for supporting the Solano Success Accelerator program. The SBDC program not only taught me essential new skills and gave me access to mentors who helped me surmount a disability but is helping me resurrect my 38 year old business, which was laid dormant for two years due to COVID restrictions. By the way, this grant money will be spent IN Solano County, the best county in the United States.”
— DAVID bARNES, oWNER, AMERRICANA MINIATURE PRODUCTS
“Participating in the Solano Success Accelerator program, provided by the Solano-Napa SBDC, was a pivotal moment for both me and my business, DigitalTrack Restaurant Marketing. The program equipped me with invaluable knowledge and insights about creating an effective pitch deck. This skill has been instrumental in articulating my business vision and strategy to potential investors and clients, thereby contributing significantly to our growth. In addition, the networking opportunity the program offered has been priceless. Connecting with other local business owners has fostered a sense of community, allowing us to learn from each other’s experiences and challenges. This networking has not only broadened my perspective but also helped me build meaningful relationships that continue to enrich my entrepreneurial journey.”
— Leo callejas, Owner, DigitalTrack Restaurant Marketing
