I would like to take a moment to recognize Byron and the Lynchburg Business Development Center for their instrumental role in the expansion of our business in 2014 and 2015. My personal experience begins back in 2010 with a business training class. Since then the BDC has been a solid sounding board and financial resource for our growing business. Byron not only brought a great deal of personal connections to the needs of our business he also gave invaluable insight to some of the obstacles we were facing. The BDC is not only a place to get assistance with a business model but they also bring a wealth of references, referrals and a network of local connections to better broaden ones oppurtunity. If it were not for Byron and the BDC we would not be able to provide the level of customer service we desired. The BDC is a resource that we will continue to reference for many years to come. Thank You Byron and the BDC for all your countless ways you have assisted our business.
Stephen and Sarah Konyndyk
Endurance Auto Repair and Tire
Lynchburg VA 24501
The Business Development Center has played a key part in numerous aspects of the growth of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities. Initially in the mid 90's, staff at the BDC helped me to create spreadsheets that I used for a competitive loan program with the Virginia Housing Development Authority. Staff helped me create a spreadsheet model to walk the lender through development and construction budgets and then forecasting and cash flow projections for our very first property in 1996. The spreadsheets that they helped me create, I still currently use as a template model for all five of the senior care communities that we now operate.
I have also used their loan funds on two occasions for "gap" funding for purchasing equipment that was outside of the projected budget for the start up equipment budget projections. Both times I have found the staff to "customer focused" to do whatever they could you help meet the need of whatever i brought to them. They understood the mission and purpose of what the primary focus was of our core business and were able to quickly and effectively approve and fund to meet the needs I had.
I strongly credit their efforts in the the early growth years of our company as being a key factor in being able to help create a strong business plan and provide me the resources and tools I needed being a new business to guide and direct in those early years. Over the last 23 years we have grown from initially five employees to over 315 and that would not have been possible without the help of the Business Development Center and their committed staff.
Brian Runk
President/ Owner
Office - 434-237-2268
Cell - 434-610-0591
Lynchburg VA 24501
Links to Life, LLC began with BDC renting an office to us. Previously, I was working out of my car, moving training equipment all around Central Virginia. The friendly manner of the staff reassured me we were in the right place. No question or problem was to small or to big for BDC, they were there. Loaning tables, chairs and guiding us in the right direction. We enjoy the availability of two meeting rooms for training purposes or smaller meetings.
Since our first day at BDC we have grown from one office with two people to 4 offices with 7 people. We are proud of our affiliation with BDC and highly recommend new companies to take advantage of the classes offered for new business, affordable rent and networking with other new companies.
Thanks for all you do to help us grow and provide jobs and homes in Lynchburg.
Linda Coley, RN, CDDN
Office - 434 237-2020
Fax - 434 237-2022
Cell - 434 509-6060
lcoley@linkstolife.org
WW Associates - I started WW Associates, Inc. at the Business Development Center in 2000 and resided there until 2005. We found the experience to be reassuring as a new business owner to have professionals assist us with getting our business started and prospering. The BDC model allowed us to gain more office space as we grew at reasonable cost and flexible terms. When we “graduated” from the BDC, we purchased an office building with gap financing provided through a BDC program. I found the entire experience to be professionally rewarding and highly recommend the BDC to other potential business owners.
Herb White/Owner/WW Associates
Generation Solutions -Our experience with the Business Development Centre was one strong building block in the foundation of Generation Solutions that has produced many years of successful service for the community!
Tulane Patterson/President/Generation Solutions
Bright Images, Inc. -The Business Development Centre has been and continues to be a vital asset in my efforts to operate a successful business. I have been in business for twenty years starting as a one person operation in a basement apartment. With the assistance of the BDC, I have grown my business to the point where I own my building and with 15 employees.
Matthew Bright/President/ Bright Images, Inc.
Calloway Enterprises, Inc. - I was a casualty of a reduction in force at my previous employer. This gave me the opportunity to expand my part time business in to a full time operation. I took advantage of the services at the Business Development Centre specifically the free consultations, the training classes and the loan programs to expand my operations the right way. Nine years later, my business is going strong. I am thankful the resources at the BDC were at my disposal when I needed them. I continue to utilize the consultation services when making decisions regarding the future of my business.
Randy Calloway/President/ Calloway Enterprises, Inc.
Best Bet Mini Mart – The Business Development Centre, Inc. was a valuable resource when I started my first business in 2003. I have used the BDC on several occasions over the years as I have grown my business and explored new opportunities. I took advantage of the training class, the free consultations and the loan program to grow my business. I consider the BDC a partner in the success of my business. I continue to utilize their services when the need arises.