The smells of fresh roasted coffee and other pleasant scents waft through the air as you enter A&Y Design Gallery in downtown Montrose. Adam & Yesenia Duncan opened A&Y Design Gallery in 2013. The original concept was a gallery that displayed and sold local artisans work and Adam's hand-made wood furniture.
Although the business had been profitable since opening their doors, Yesenia and Adam aspired for more. A friend recommended they contact the SBDC.
Discussing their short and long-term plans, the SBDC Counselor helped them write a business plan and a financial forecast. After significant time spent discussing marketing and creating a clear vision of their business and their clients, it was clear that they needed to modify their product mix.
Being flexible, they evolved. By adding lower priced locally made items, it helped create a steadier cash flow. To attract customers on a more regular basis, after a brain-storming session with their SBDC Counselor and market research they added gelato to their product mix.
Purchasing the freezer units, outdoor tables and gelato supplies required a small loan which was acquired with the help of their SBDC Counselor in creating their updated financial forecast. The additional cash flow from this new product line allowed them to hire permanent, part-time staff.
Knowing that the winter would show a decline in gelato sales and listening to customer requests for coffee, they added an indoor seating area including a comfortable sofa. Not only do they have locally roasted coffee, but unique gelato 'sliders' are a refreshing snack or dessert which they also sell to restaurants. Through the guidance of their SBDC Counselor, they were able to provide new product offerings and expand their customer base.
"Adam and I cannot say enough great things about our SBDC Counselor and the help he has provided. What a great program!"
Although the business had been profitable since opening their doors, Yesenia and Adam aspired for more. A friend recommended they contact the SBDC.
Discussing their short and long-term plans, the SBDC Counselor helped them write a business plan and a financial forecast. After significant time spent discussing marketing and creating a clear vision of their business and their clients, it was clear that they needed to modify their product mix.
Being flexible, they evolved. By adding lower priced locally made items, it helped create a steadier cash flow. To attract customers on a more regular basis, after a brain-storming session with their SBDC Counselor and market research they added gelato to their product mix.
Purchasing the freezer units, outdoor tables and gelato supplies required a small loan which was acquired with the help of their SBDC Counselor in creating their updated financial forecast. The additional cash flow from this new product line allowed them to hire permanent, part-time staff.
Knowing that the winter would show a decline in gelato sales and listening to customer requests for coffee, they added an indoor seating area including a comfortable sofa. Not only do they have locally roasted coffee, but unique gelato 'sliders' are a refreshing snack or dessert which they also sell to restaurants. Through the guidance of their SBDC Counselor, they were able to provide new product offerings and expand their customer base.
"Adam and I cannot say enough great things about our SBDC Counselor and the help he has provided. What a great program!"
