Hatfield Market

THE SBDC AT WORK…

“Why don’t you buy this place?” Barb Bryant’s boss asked her one day afer she came into work at the Hatfield Market in Richland, IN. The market is a local convenience store that serves locals by providing convenience items as well as breakfast, lunch, or dinner for those in a hurry.  Barb worked at the Market a few hours each week after she finished her shift as the Director of Food Services in a nursing home.  The nursing home was a fulltime job, but her heart was really in her work at the Market.  After careful thought, Barb decided that she wanted to buy the place that had stolen her heart. 

Barb quickly learned that there was a lot involved in buying a business, so she and her new business partner, Bonnie sought help from the S.W. IN SBDC.  The SBDC Business Advisors walked Bonnie and Barb through the process of assessing the company’s value, preparing cash flow statements for their meeting with loan officers, etc. And, after a few bumps in the road, Bonnie and Barb will join the ranks of small business owners in February!  

When asked about her new role, Barb stated, “I enjoy working with the community and the people in it.  Creating lifelong relationships as well as giving back to the community is very important and purchasing this market will do just that.”    

“We couldn’t have done this without you (SBDC)” Barb and Bonnie expressed at the end of the process.  “You (the SBDC) have been great!” 

The bottom line:  Barbara and Bonnie invested in their community and themselves and are looking forward to a prosperous future.