b'Apricot Lane Casual Space P O W E R E D B YCompany Location: Billings, MT Company Location: Billings, MTFounding Year: The franchise first came to Billings in 2011;Founding Year: 2022Katherine purchased it in March 2024 Casual Space is not just a gathering place; it is a vibrant hub that IM C OApricot Lane is a womens clothing boutique that creates a unique adventure andfosters community connections and supports local entrepreneurs.shopping experience that captures the look and vibe of their local area. They have newAlana, the visionary behind Casual Space, is driven by her passion PACTL L A B O R A T Iarrivals almost daily, so shopping at Apricot Lane is always a new discovery and trulyfor bridging the gap between making friends and connecting withan affordable unique boutique experience! like-minded individuals. The space accommodates more that 10vendors, offers a diverse range of classes, workshops, and gamenights, effectively achieving her objective of fostering a vibrant Services Overview: community gathering space. Notably, Alana also obtained aThe SBDC provided a business plan template and spread the historical financialsgaming license to host BINGO and Bunko night, further expanding STO RY O Nof the business.Lorene Hintz helped with the cash flow projections, reviewed thethe variety of events at her venue. Continuously attuned to client business plan, and got Katherine ready to visit her lender. Kats experience as thedemand, she consistently introduces new events to enhance the manager and buyer for the business strengthened her credibility with the lendercommunity experience.and led to financing. Kat bought the business and inventory for $440,0000, wasServices Overview:awarded a $440,000 loan from Yellowstone Bank and brought $100,000 of herAlana approached the SBDC seeking financial support forown funds for franchise fees and working capital. A grand reopening was held inher business venture. However, after a careful analysis of her March to celebrate new ownership and recently celebrated the 13th anniversary offinancial projections and business plan, Kayla Vokral discovered the Billings location. that her startup expenses were lower than expected, allowingher to launch her business without incurring any debts. Kayla worked with Alana to help her understand her numbers, budgetIt was great to meet with Lorene at the SBDC as a for her business, and build her business model, which was starting point to purchase the business. She led merelatively complex due to local vendors renting booth space and in the right direction, provided guidance and tools, her plans to hold various events, classes and workshops. With and kept the process from being overwhelming.SBDC guidance, Alana successfully bootstrapped her business, and we provided her with the tools and knowledge to succeed. KATHERINE HOWLANDOwner of Apricot Lane I am so grateful for the guidance and tools Kayla and the SBDCprovided me with to open andmaintain my business. Her positivityand knowledge through the processgave me the confidence I needed tocontinue the pursuit of my dream. ALANA SUKETOwner of Casual SpacePROGRAM IMPACT235 Clients Served $6,642,153 Capital Infusion Serving Petroleum, Musselshell, Golden Valley, Wheatland,1,542 Hours of counseling Big Sky Trust Fund -Sweet Grass, Stillwater, Carbon,25 Trainings with 210 attendees 3 grants, $105,000, 22 jobs, 8 BusinessBig Horn, and Yellowstone County11 Business Starts True Space Accelerator 6-month programANNUAL REPORT2024 8'