EcoPoint is a technologically advanced environmental firm specializing in geographic mapping and analysis for large- and small-scale projects. EcoPoint employs GIS specialists, botanists, soil scientists, and biologists to complete projects on behalf of a client base consisting of public land users like Oil and Gas, hard rock mines, renewable energy, and right of way in addition to private landholders. All of whom need to meet reporting requirements and restoration compliance.

Owners Kirsten and Michael Clancy first approached Northwest SBDC hoping to improve the company’s financial processes and workforce strategies after experiencing 1200% growth over five years which had outpaced their abilities. Working with multiple SBDC advisors, EcoPoint achieved goals important to its operations. EcoPoint developed and implemented a budget and expense review process to effectively manage and control its expenses over several departments and project managers, ensured their 15 employees (at the time) remained motivated and engaged throughout the implementation of the new processes, and created a new position within the company to execute new marketing and brand strategies.

About her experience, Kirsten said, “As a quickly growing company, EcoPoint has benefited immensely from the tools and advising offered through the SBDC. From scaling strategies to onboarding procedures to department budgeting, the SBDC provided time and consideration to our individual needs.”

- Kirsten and Michael Clancy
For more info visit EcoPoint, Inc.

Originally founded as Lake and Company, it was a socially conscious magazine, carefully curated with a give-back message that supports adventure, innovation, conservation, and community built around lake culture. And it also had multiple complementary brick-and-mortar retail locations in Colorado and Minnesota selling outdoor clothing and gear.

Early in 2023, founder Megan Kellin decided it was time to pare down the physical locations and devote more time to scaling the magazine. An exit strategy specialist with Northwest SBDC was there to offer support. Through a series of advising sessions Megan learned how to understand the value of her business within each retail location. For the Steamboat Springs location, the end result was a successful sale to a new owner, Anna Sladek.

And Lake and Company underwent a rebranding to shift focus from lake culture to mountain life with the name Mountain and Company.

Anna Sladek, new owner of the shop, Mountain and Company, had separately sought Northwest SBDC assistance with the goal of deciding if the purchase of an existing storefront was the right choice for her. SBDC advising sessions provided guidance on establishing the business under her ownership, as well as strategic planning and expansion.

Additionally, Anna attended Startup to Scaleup, an intensive two-day event presented by the Northwest SBDC in partnership with CU Boulder and the Leeds School of Business. She says, “The advisor from SBDC was invaluable to helping me understand whether or not this was a good business decision and a viable business to invest in. They also helped me refine my business plan so that I can really hone in on the aspects that will drive the business to success.”

- Anna Sladek
For more info visit Mountain and Company