Sarah Newcomb, the owner of The Wine Room, has experienced a remarkable success story with the help of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Despite facing the challenges of opening a business during the pandemic, Sarah's determination, coupled with the invaluable support from SBDC, has led to her triumph.
Sarah's vision for The Wine Room goes beyond being just a wine bar. In addition to selling wine by the glass and bottle, her establishment also serves as a versatile venue for various special events. From girls' nights to baby showers, bridal showers, and even classes like paint and sips, cookie decorating, and hat decorating, The Wine Room caters to a wide range of interests and occasions.
Having previously worked for Lee County, Sarah was familiar with SBDC through their representative present in her office. Recognizing the value of SBDC's expertise, Sarah sought their assistance when she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. SBDC primarily aided her in marketing, offering her the opportunity to collaborate with Andrea, an experienced professional with a wealth of knowledge in the restaurant industry. Their brainstorming sessions proved to be immensely beneficial, as they generated fresh ideas and perspectives. “Working with the SBDC has been great. It’s like having someone you can rely on for anything that I need. I can call them, and they have someone on the team that can help I've been working with the SBDC since the moment I opened the doors here at The Wine Room,” says Sarah.
During the challenging initial stages of opening her business, Sarah received a grant through SBDC. This financial support played a crucial role in helping her navigate the difficulties presented by the pandemic. SBDC's unwavering support has been a cornerstone of Sarah's success, acting as a reliable resource whenever she requires assistance with any aspect of her business.
Sarah's relationship with SBDC began from the moment she opened the doors of The Wine Room. From conceptualizing her idea and seeking feedback to everyday marketing and even expanding her staff, SBDC has been a constant source of guidance and support. As a result of their collaboration, Sarah witnessed remarkable growth in her business. In the first year, despite not having any employees, her sales steadily increased. By the second year, she had a team of four, contributing significantly to the upward trajectory of her success.
Looking towards the future, Sarah plans to modify her business model to focus more on the event venue aspect of The Wine Room. Responding to the demands and preferences of her customers, she aims to further develop this side of her business. Throughout this evolution, Sarah intends to continue relying on SBDC for their marketing strategies and any other assistance she may require. She recognizes SBDC as an invaluable resource and a vital component of her ongoing success.
Sarah's greatest achievement thus far has been the simple act of being open. Overcoming the immense challenges posed by the pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances, Sarah acknowledges the incredible support she receives from her loyal customers and the supportive community surrounding her business. Their dedication has been instrumental in her achievements.
Reflecting on her experience with SBDC, Sarah emphatically recommends their services to anyone considering working with them. As a free resource, she sees no reason not to take advantage of their diverse group of professionals with a wealth of knowledge. Sarah describes her relationship with SBDC as a partnership, emphasizing the genuine care and involvement of the SBDC team in her business and its overall success. Sarah says, “If I had to use one word to describe SBDC, I would use partnership. Everyone at the SBDC cares about what they do and they're truly a part of our business and our success.”
Sarah Newcomb's success story with The Wine Room exemplifies the power of determination, adaptability, and the support of invaluable resources like SBDC. Through their partnership, Sarah has transformed her vision into a thriving business, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the potential for triumph even in the most challenging times.
