Deb Schwenker loves alpacas and loves to sell. When the local Carhartt retail store announced it was going to close, Deb saw an opportunity that would allow her to sell a quality clothing line that her family wears and also sell alpaca wool accessories and yarn.

Southeastern SBDC Director Janine Clover first met Deb and her husband, Dan, when the couple was referred to the SBDC by their banker. They were seeking a $125,000 loan to purchase inventory from the current store owners, purchase new inventory, and cover start-up costs to open their store. The SBDC helped the couple develop a business plan and cash flow analysis; during the process they discovered they did not need to borrow as much as they had originally thought. The SBDC also suggested the Schwenkers try to obtain an RLF loan from the Southeast Regional Planning Commission, which would save the couple three percent interest over seven years.

Looking back, Deb recalls feeling overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork needed to start a new business, which included preparing two loan packages, completing a personal financial statement, setting up a schedule of capital assets and inventory needed, and obtaining a sales tax permit. “The SBDC got us through the paperwork. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that extra help we received from the SBDC,” Deb recalls. The Southeastern SBDC also assisted in developing the company’s marketing plan and setting up an accounting system using QuickBooks Point of Sale software and hardware. Deb also attended IRS Tax Workshops and QuickBooks classes offered by the Southeastern SBDC.

The Schwenkers invested $20,000 of their own capital and received two loans—one from Burlington Bank & Trust and another from the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission. DanDe WorkWear, LLC opened in July 2005 with three employees. The SBDC continues to work with Deb in developing marketing strategies to increase sales, and assisting in accounting issues as they arise.