Rock Hill Area SBDC Client - bakers-buzzin.com
Bakers Buzzin’
children. love. cooking. Andrew Fisher is passionate about his business, Bakers Buzzin’, an amazingly fun children’s cooking studio in the heart of Fort Mill and Tega Cay. Before opening his unique venue, Fisher was a compliance manager at Wells Fargo. But his dream was calling. Industry: Children’s Cooking School “I wanted to use cooking to teach children teamwork, Challenge: The client initially requested self-expression and life skills,” Fisher said. “We are assistance with building a business plan not a culinary institute, but we do show children that and applying for funding. cooking is fun, interesting and exciting.” Approach: Reviewed business plans, financial projections and ensured that In 2013, when Fisher needed to create a business plan everything was in order to apply for and apply for funding, he visited the Rock Hill Area funding. Provided marketing strategies SBDC, where business consultant Forrest Norman that were designed to generate helped him assemble a lending packet and secure his awareness for this innovative idea. first loan. Results: • Total Annual Sales: $175,000 Once the business was launched, the SC SBDC • Capital Formation: $130,000 continued to follow-up with Fisher to monitor his • Jobs Created: 7 part-time progress and to make recommendations on social • Sales Increase: $175,000 media platforms, marketing and other forms of advertising. Fisher, likewise, contacted the SC SBDC whenever he considered new growth avenues for Bakers Buzzin’. Over the next several years, Bakers Buzzin’ grew tremendously, posting a 60 percent increase in sales. “Bakers Buzzin’ attracts enthusiastic customers because it is a unique concept and adapts to changing marketplace dynamics,” said Eduardo Venegas, a consultant with the Rock Hill Area SBDC who joined Forrest Norman in assisting Fisher.
Services Provided: > Business Plan Preparation > Financial Projections > Loan Application Preparation > Social Media/Online Marketing > Access to Resources
So, how do you top a business that has been highly successful for six years? You open a new location. And that is precisely what Fisher is doing. Fisher also is working with his consultant to determine other growth strategies. “I see this business being very successful as they continue to expand their product offerings,” Venegas said. Fisher is justifiably proud of his accomplishments. “Since 2013, we have been encouraging children to be excited about cooking. We love teaching these skills because they will stay with a child for a lifetime.”
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“We have been working with the SBDC at Winthrop University since 2013, before we even opened for business. They were extremely helpful in reviewing our business plan, making suggestions and educating us on financing options and the small business loan process.” Andrew Fisher, Owner/Operatior Bakers Buzzin’
