Kim McCarville bought an existing, well-known photography business in Fort Dodge from Howard Haase five years ago. Focusing on specialty photography, Kim opened Kimmy’s Photography and expanded the business over the last five years, maintaining not only existing customers, but also reaching out to new clients who are seeking non-traditional, more creative pictures.

Kim came to the North Central Iowa Small Business Development Center in Fort Dodge to review her business plan and find out what needed to be done to expand her new business. Even though she was acquiring an existing business, there were many items that she wanted to change and redesign, especially the direction of the studio.

Lisa Shimkat gave Kim general start-up counseling and reviewed her business plan. The Center also provided financial analysis, reviewed acquisition costs, and provided some on-site training, including some counseling by a CPA.

Kim has been in business now for five years. She received an SBA-guaranteed loan, developed a positive return and net income, and has successfully expanded her business.

Kim says this about the assistance she received from the Small Business Development Center, “Since first utilizing the Small Business Development Center in 2003, my business has been a continued success. Lisa Shimkat helped me organize my business plan. In addition, she helped advise me on many business decisions to alter the direction of the existing business, and project its future placement in the community. Kimmy's Photography has increased business annually and continually thanks to the advisement of the Small Business Development Center.”