By Mary Owen
Into the Wild Equine Adventures is ready to launch.
“But without the GROW model, our business, like so many out there, would be struggling,” said Sheila Hoover, owner, with her husband, Jahn. “All three legs of its foundation would not be equal.”
The Hoovers, like other entrepreneurs in the North Santiam Canyon, made use of GROW, or Growing Rural Opportunities Within, during the development stage of their business. Jahn already had a grasp of business details via his work as a hair stylist with Hair Konnection.
“GROW has given us a firm foundation on which to build,” he said. “Without learning the business trinity model, we would have started out much faster and much less prepared,” Sheila said. “We GROW, we are confident that our business will succeed. We have resources and supports that we could not have obtained anywhere else.”
The Hoovers, trained equine specialists, plan to open Into the Wild Equine Adventures in June, offering small-group horseback riding and equestrian lessons in the Monument Peak area just outside of Gates. To get ready, they sought business coaching and guidance from Allison McKenzie, GROW’s enterprise facilitator. “We are excited about the upcoming classes that GROW will be offering,” Sheila said. We have also taken advantage from the resource board. Their input has been quite helpful.”
Currently, 50 business professionals offer expertise through the resource board, but that number is growing, McKenzie said.
Nicole Miller of WordsOutPR in Gates doubled her client base by using GROW’s three-step method: marketing/sales, product/service and financial management.
“GROW has taught me how to structure my business so that I can continue to do what I love, while bringing in support to take on the parts of running a business that I don’t enjoy,” Miller said. “By doing this, I think GROW helps businesses stay in business longer and have greater success.”
Friends of Silver Falls State Park Nature Store moved to a new space last August. McKenzie said half their vendors are now from the North Santiam Canyon and Willamette Valley area. Revenue for the Friends tripled by February, she added.
Sarah Smith and Bonnie Taylor of Lyons paired their talents to create Sugar & Spice Bakery. Their baked goods are sold directly to stores, restaurants and the public – and they deliver. The venture opens in June.
Seven people were recently hired by the Kirsch family, the new owners of Mountain Edge Café in Mill City, which reopened in March with GROW’s help.
Legacy Guardian Home Resources & Events in Stayton has hosted seven events so far for the home-school community. McKenzie recently worked with owners Heather and Brian Hall.
In the Spotlight’s owners Carrie and Brian Corcoran of Sublimity take photos for weddings, conferences, graduations and other special events. “Martha White runs Quilt & Stitch in Stayton, and invites people to come in and sew.” McKenzie also helped Tessa Moore, a licensed massage therapist, find a marketing person willing to trade massage for marketing help.
Using GROW, Trexler expanded her farm store café to a year-round enterprise. She also hosts events for groups and networking meetings for GROW participants.
McKenzie said about 20 resource board members attend the networking meetings, with the remaining members participating via e-mail. “People have been very generous with their time and expertise,” she said.
