Kutztown University SBDC Client Success Story

M & M Odds & Ends is a cleaning service that was started in 2021 by Beatrice Pierre of Berks County, Pennsylvania. Beatrice is originally from Brooklyn, New York, but currently resides in Reading. Before starting her own business, Beatrice worked for a homecare agency in the human resources and payroll department. Before that she worked as a home health aide. Once Beatrice had her son, she decided that she needed to figure out a way to earn an income while still having the flexibility to take care of her son. Beatrice’s love of cleaning and the low start-up cost required for the business, mixed with her son’s father’s encouragement and her motivation for a better life for those around her, made her determined to start this business. This is where the SBDC started to play a huge role in Beatrice’s business. Beatrice stated, “The SBDC is a great resource. The people I got to work with have been responsive and they really care about their clients. They motivated me to work harder because they worked hard for me.”

In the process of starting her business, Beatrice had many obstacles and challenges she needed to face. Along with being a new mother, she had to balance working and paying her bills. There were many times Beatrice had to cold call to get clients and was often rejected. Along with cleaning, Beatrice also had to complete all the administrative tasks that come with owning a business. One of the more difficult obstacles Beatrice had to face was getting declined for a loan by both M & T Bank and Community First Fund.

“The SBDC is a great resource. The people I got to work with have been responsive and they really care about their clients. They motivated me to work harder because they worked hard for me.”

With the help of the SBDC, Beatrice was able to better solidify her business plan, financial projections, and obtain government contracts. She found out about the SBDC through a YouTube video while researching how to start a business. Beatrice started planning in July of 2021, obtained her LLC in August of that year, then got her first client in December. Her first major contract was cleaning Amazon warehouses which she received in May of 2022. Beatrice also received help from the SCORE Berks/Schuylkill Chapter and is currently working with the O’Pake Institute at Alvernia University. While these two institutions helped Beatrice in many ways, the SBDC specifically provided assistance with obtaining funding by developing projections, understanding of government contracts, discovery of bidding websites, and writing her business plan.

Funding for Beatrice’s business came from a $50,000 loan from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) loan program via the Chester County Economic Development Council and a $50,000 matching loan from the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance/Greater Berks Development Fund.

Since Beatrice has started working with the SBDC her revenues have grown by 80%. Not only is this good for Beatrice, but it is also beneficial to the ten employees she has been able to hire. Beatrice has changed her mind set when looking at other businesses. She now sees opportunities and can appreciate the time and effort other business owners put into their business. This opportunity allows her to have the flexibility to take care of her son and impact her friends, family, and employees in a positive way. Starting this business has made those around her realize that you can achieve your dreams and goals if you’re willing to put in the work.