The PCC Small Business Development Center is proud of the great work all of their clients are accomplishing in their businesses. Our Business Profile feature series highlights businesses at all stages of development and success.
Business: Zapata Design
Owner: Diana Zapata
Start Date: May 1st, 2015
Website: zapatadesignpdx.com
Tell us about your business.
Interior Design, CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist), to help homeowners live in their homes as long as possible. I believe it is important to be pro-active about creating your own mold, instead of fitting into one!
What inspired you to start your business?
I have experienced firsthand the way my parents have struggled to react to life’s challenges as they deal with lack of planning as they age. That eventually resulted in loss of housing, and other emergencies, which could have been avoided. Emergencies happen to all of us, but when it comes to aging, we can try to avoid letting abrupt circumstances dictate our lifestyle. I am passionate about helping others cope with these challenges.
Before coming to the SBDC, what were you struggling with in your business?
Before attending the classes at PCC, I simply needed help figuring how to launch my new business and understand where to place all the pieces of the puzzle. I was also having some difficulty with articulating my unique niche in the business and how much value that would bring to my clients.
What types of services did you receive and/or in which programs did you participate?
I was fortunate enough to participate in the Encore Entrepreneur series with Jackie Babicky, and continued to attend monthly meet ups with others in our cohort.
How did the services or programs help you overcome your challenges?
These services have brought clarity to the whole process of launching my business in a more profitable direction. I appreciate the passion that the people in this program have shown to make sure that we can all succeed. I always felt the support of the SBDC advisors and as well as my peers
What have you done differently in your business since working with the SBDC?
Almost everything. I have become much more motivated and I try to create weekly goals that I can check off as I go.
How is your business doing now?
My business is still in the early stages, growing slowly but steadily. I have joined the Villages NW Board, which is a non-profit organization that supports those who want to Age in place in the Portland metro area.
What would you say to other small business owners thinking of working with the SBDC?
This is a valuable resource that is accessible and easy to attend. I appreciate the fact that the program is so interested in the success of each person. We all come to this process for different reasons, and that is embraced by the SBDC. They try to support you in your unique perspective and value your ideas as an entrepreneurial business owner.
