Kendra Towns and Darrun Smith had always dreamed of owning their own business. After working in various fields, both Kendra and Darrun decided to take full advantage of the resources available to them at the Small Business Development Center at FGCU, and to make their dream a reality.
Their vision included a business that focused on a cleaning and lawn care service. They understood that although economic times were tough, their plan could recruit new clientele through foreclosed homes and needed property maintenance services.

After becoming acclimated to the services of the SBDC by Millie Class, DBE Assistant, they were soon introduced to Daniel Telep, Procurement Specialist for the Procurement Technical Assistance Program. Dan was able to help Kendra and Darrun become registered at both the state and the county level to bid on contracts with government agencies.

Soon, Kendra and Darrun were confident in the feasibility of their business and decided to start applying for a small business loan through local banks in order to raise the working capital to help finance their endeavor. Both Kendra and Darrun sat down with Suzanne Specht, Assistant Director of the SBDC at FGCU, and were able to develop a cash flow analysis and a 3-year financial projection.

With the help of Suzanne, Dan, Millie, and the other counselors at the SBDC, Kendra and Darrun were able to secure a $40,000 small business loan from Access Florida Finance to help jump start their dream! Kendra and Darrun have also recently landed two government contracts in Lee County and are in the process of becoming certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

"FGCU SBDC + PTAC counselors go over and beyond the call of duty. They would be at the top of grading scale and has helped my business immensely." - Kendra and Darrun