Saint Franics University SBDC Client Success Story
Great Day Juice Company Open for Business

Michele Rhodes had a passion for clean, healthy living and was ready to share her knowledge and experience with those around her and the community. Michele started her journey with a change in her lifestyle; she was beginning to be physically and mentally drained leading, her to search for something new. With the help of her family and friends, she became interested in living a more natural way of life. She started to research and study the foods consumed every day and realized there was a need for a business offering healthier alternatives.

Michele decided she wanted to open her own building and incorporate her healthy eating knowledge as well. She approached the local bank for financing and they put her in touch with Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center for assistance in developing a business proposal.

Mrs. Rhodes contacted the SBDC in November of 2020 and started the journey to establish Great Day Juice Company. The plan was to open a store front and offer delicious, yet healthy items: in-house cold pressed juices, smoothies and smoothie bowls, detox waters, and many other fresh, healthy to-go snacks.

“Thanks to the SBDC I was able to start my own business.”

Michele met with an SBDC consultant to assist her in the evaluation and feasibility of her dream. She had the location, the knowledge and experience of operating the business but needed to look at the business proposal. The business proposal and projections started to take shape, along with the marketing logo and menu with assistance from the Center.

Great Day Juice Company’s business proposal was completed and Michele contacted the various lenders and economic development agencies to assist in the funding for the project. The funding was approved for the necessary renovations to the building, the equipment, supplies and working capital.

In July 2021, in the midst of the Pandemic, Michele launched her business, offering everything dairy-free, substituted with oat and nut milks. The business is take-out and will be open year-round. To date, she has sold out of the juices on a daily basis and has a contract with a local company to provide her product to the organization on a regular basis to support a healthier workforce. Michele’s objective to open a grab-and-go healthy shop has been fulfilled and rewarding.