Cookie Crumbs by Gina Garrett: Navigating Growth and Compliance with Help from the SBDC

Gina Garrett’s journey into entrepreneurship started unexpectedly when she began baking cookies as a fundraiser for a family cause. The enthusiastic response she received turned her hobby into a steady stream of orders, and before she knew it, Gina was running a business. However, without formal knowledge of business operations, she became concerned about compliance and legal requirements. At a friend’s suggestion, she reached out to the Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Troy University for guidance.

Juliana Bolivar, the lead business advisor, and her team stepped in to help Gina navigate the complexities of setting up her business legally. They assisted her in obtaining a business license and registering for an EIN. Juliana also helped Gina understand the pros and cons of different legal entities, guiding her in choosing the structure that best suited her home-based business. This hands-on support not only ensured Gina’s business was compliant but also empowered her with the knowledge and confidence to handle administrative tasks independently.

As her business grew, Gina decided to expand by acquiring a food truck, allowing her to set up pop-up locations throughout the community. Juliana provided essential guidance on staying compliant while operating a mobile business, explaining procedures for sales tax reporting and the requirements for different vending locations. This allowed Gina to confidently expand her business and reach new customers across the region.

When Gina was ready to open a storefront, Juliana once again supported her through this transition. She helped Gina navigate the process of changing her legal structure to better align with her new business model, ensuring the business met all regulatory and compliance standards for a physical location. Juliana and the SBDC team also guided Gina through health inspection requirements and other regulations necessary for operating a food business. With their support, Gina successfully opened her storefront, where she offers popular cookie decorating classes and hosts community events.

To further expand her client base, Gina returned to the SBDC for marketing support. Juliana collaborated with Yadira “Yari” Colon-Lopez, the SBDC’s marketing advisor, to develop a targeted strategy. They identified key audiences such as homeschooling families, corporate groups for team-building events, and local residents interested in holiday and birthday parties. Yari worked with Gina to implement these strategies, creating a customized marketing plan designed to grow her customer base.

Thanks to the comprehensive and ongoing support from Juliana and her team, Gina has expanded her operations, confidently managing the administrative and compliance tasks that come with running a growing business. Today, Cookie Crumbs by Gina is thriving as a community hub where customers enjoy cookie decorating classes and local events. Gina credits the SBDC for providing the guidance she needed to navigate each step of her business journey.

“Juliana and the SBDC team have been incredible,” Gina shared. “They taught me everything from legal structures to health inspections, and their support gave me the confidence to run my business smoothly.”

Gina’s story is a testament to how the Alabama SBDC at Troy University empowers small businesses to thrive. By providing tailored guidance and building entrepreneurs’ confidence, the SBDC helps businesses like Cookie Crumbs by Gina succeed and positively impact their local communities.