California SBDC
Skyview Concessions
Skyview Concessions’ recovery with SBDC assistance leads to new store and helping other minority businesses.
Skyview Concessions Flies High with Help from SBDC, Grants, and Advisory Council
BACKGROUND
Apryl Stewart operates Skyview Concessions, a duty-free, specialty retail and dining concessions business at three large California airports: LAX, SFO, and SMF. The business is certified as an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The sudden and sharp decline in revenue due to the forced closures caused by the pandemic presented a significant challenge for Skyview Concessions. The pandemic affected not only the business’ financial stability but also the employees’ livelihood. Apryl realized that she needed to find ways to support her staff and keep the business afloat.
SBDC SUPPORT
To support her staff, Stewart accessed free PPE from the SBDC. She also sought the help of her SBDC advisor to access funding through the PPP and a California Covid Relief Grant from Lendistry. In August 2021, she received an increase through the EIDL. With the help of her advisor, Stewart was able to navigate the process of securing funding, which helped her keep her business running during the pandemic. Additionally, her advisor assisted her with the business licensing process, which allowed her to open her first 100% owned and operated the store at LAX and hire seven employees.
RESULTS AND FUTURE PLANS
As a result of her efforts with the SBDC, Apryl was able to keep her business running during the pandemic and even expand it. She is now paying it forward to other women and minority-owned businesses by serving on the Airport Minority Advisory Council and helping them win contracts in the aviation and aerospace industries. Her ultimate goal is to continue to grow her business and create more job opportunities for her community.
