FVCC recognizes Small Business Development Center day

KALISPELL, Mont. — The Flathead Valley Community College is recognizing Small Business Development Center day on Wednesday.

The Small Business Development Center at FVCC provides business advising to business owners in Flathead, Lake and Lincoln counties.

The center is part of America’s SBDC Network, which provides support to businesses with a network across the country.

The center helped over 250 businesses last year, including 27 new business start-ups.

For more information about the SBDC at FVCC, click here.

The Flathead Valley Community College sent out the following:

Flathead Valley Community College is proud to recognize SBDC Day on March 19, a national celebration of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network of services that support small businesses across the country.

As part of America’s SBDC Network, the SBDC at FVCC provides no-cost, confidential business advising and training to small business owners in Flathead, Lake and Lincoln counties. From business counseling and financial management to startup assistance and marketing strategies, the center helps local businesses succeed at every stage.

“SBDC Day is a chance to highlight the incredible work being done to support small businesses in our community,” said Rob Driscoll, FVCC’s SBDC Regional Director. “We are proud to help people turn ideas into thriving businesses, navigate challenges and grow their companies right here in the Flathead Valley.”

Mette Cephers came to the SBDC for advice on ways to grow her Scandinavian Baking Company business. “I went looking for business advice, and through our conversations, I realized I had to be willing to pivot to set myself up for success.” During their first meeting, Driscoll identified how Cephers could benefit from a stronger financial foundation for her business to succeed long-term. He suggested pursuing a flexible full-time job that would provide the financial stability she needed.

There happened to be such a position open within FVCC as the manager of the Eagle’s Nest Cafe. Cephers applied, interviewed and was offered the position. Driscoll connected the dots which allowed her to chart new territory with her business.

“Working with the SBDC helped me step back and put new opportunities together that would provide financial stability, allowing me to make decisions based on facts rather than emotions for my own business,” Cephers explained. “Rob helped me find ways I hadn’t even considered that changed my path for the better, for me personally and for my business.”

In 2024 alone, the FVCC SBDC advised over 250 businesses, which impacted 27 new business start-ups in Flathead, Lake and Lincoln counties. The center works closely with local lenders and economic development organizations, as well as state and federal programs to connect businesses with the resources they need to succeed.

For more information about SBDC at FVCC, visit SBDC Kalispell online