BiG Training Facilitates Growth for George Francis, MBA, of Prism Imaging
George Francis IV, president and CEO of Prism Imaging, owes much of his company's success to BiG. Francis launched Prism Imaging in 1993. He came to the realization that additional funding and training would be necessary should he wish to surpass his previous year's revenue of $17,000.
BiG was able to assist Mr. Francis in achieving his goal through a 12-week training course and by providing a loan that enabled him to purchase necessary office equipment. Francis says that the most important thing he gained from the BiG training course was how to apply the business theory he had learned while earning his MBA.
Eight years later, Prism Imaging now boasts revenues that surpass $1.27 million. Prism currently employs more than 60 people. Prism will be opening new locations to better support its expanding customer base, which includes clientele such as the LCRA, Pinky's Pager's, and Dell Computer Corporation.
BiG Loan Enables Judy Paul's Graphic Design Company to Go Global
In 1992, Judy Paul enrolled in the BiG program for start-up businesses. Shortly after completing the course, she was able to obtain a $10,000 loan to purchase much-needed equipment. This enabled her to expose her company to the World Wide Web, which led to a merger with another graphic design company, allowing her to hire 10 new employees.
Investigator Sylvester Ruffin Joins BiG Board to Help Others Like Him
Sylvester Ruffin had been turned down for loans by a number of lending institutions before he was finally accepted by one BiG. Sylvester needed a loan to increase his cash flow and expand his investigative services. After completing BiG training, Sylvester was able to obtain a $25,000 loan. With this funding, he was able to hire two full-time investigators and an office manager. Sylvester was so impressed with the results that BiG enabled him to obtain that he became a member of the BiG Board of Directors in hopes that he can do for others what BiG has done for him.
Personal Care Salon is 'Good to Go' Thanks to BiG Training and Loan
Portia Milligan has been doing hair and nails since 1987. She opened a small shop in 1991. Maintenance was a challenge, so the shop ultimately failed due to Portia's lack of funding and business experience. In 1999, she gave it another shot, and started Good To Go Studio. She was trained by BiG to recognize her competition and write a business plan, and then obtained a loan from BiG. Since then, Good To Go Studio's revenues have doubled. Furthermore, Portia has hired two massage therapists and two hair stylists and is seeking to hire two nail technicians.
Lopez Improves 'Solutions' through BiG Training
Eduardo Lopez started ENJ Solutions in 1995. Realizing that he needed to perfect his business plan, he enrolled in a BiG training program. After training, Lopez consulted with BiG's staff and engaged in financial analyses that allowed him to improve his business plan for his business and for potential ENJ financers. "I really enjoyed the Focus on Success class," says Lopez. "The course was not theoretical but practical. It made me realize the importance of a business plan from marketing to financial management."
BiG Training "Jumpstarts" Zoombaz
Zoombaz Double Drive-Thru Espresso Bars were the first of their kind in Austin. Owner Antoinette Gonzales says that their success is due to training she received a BiG. Gonzales learned how to write a marketing plan; design cash flow, income, and balance statements; and perform industry analyses. "JumpStart has been most valuable in providing the 'nuts and bolts' training I needed. For example, I was able to figure out my break-even point the amount of sales needed on a daily basis to pay back the loan, rent, supplies, and other costs associated with running a business," says Gonzales.