Ohio SBDC Helps Pottery Studio Start and Grow

Dan Bowerman
Ohio Development Services Agency

Eva Popovec had an idea for a new store in Youngstown. She was passionate about art and opening a pottery painting studio, but she had little business expertise. That’s where Christine Dailey comes in. She’s a business counselor at the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Youngstown State University, and she helped Popovec develop business plans and financial forecasts and helped secure the financing necessary to get her dream started.

Since those first meetings in early 2012, Popovec’s student, The Art Café, has flourished. She outgrew her initial studio and opened a new one nearly triple in size. And now she has opened a new store, Blanc Designs. Throughout her business journey, the Ohio SBDC has been at her side, providing help and advice to allow the business to grow.

The no-cost counseling available from the SBDCs’ Certified Business Advisors can make a big difference. If you want to start or expand a small business, reach out to your local SBDC.

To learn more, visit sbdc.development.ohio.gov and to watch a video about Eva Popovec’s success, click on the video link.