Engage Industry
Business Resource Centers Program Spotlight Harvest Lane Honey utilized the services of Toole BRC and SBDC this past year. Founders Mike and Rhonda Wells and Jason and Mindy Waite first started keeping bees to pollinate their own gardens. The hobby soon produced one-of-a-kind beekeeping equipment. After attending several trainings and learning how to start and grow a business, the friends launched Harvest Lane Honey. The Harvest Lane Kit and other products are now available through several establishments including Home Depot and Amazon. What started with one full-time em-
Purpose U.C.A. 63N-3-301
Business Resource Centers (BRCs) are convenient “onestop-shops” to address the needs of new or growing businesses. Through on-site or over-the-phone assessments with clients, BRCs offer comprehensive services and ongoing assistance to help businesses expand. Formed in partnership with local colleges or universities, BRCs house various business service providers in a single location and the onsite staff is equipped to answer questions ranging from business planning to finding funding and more. BRC staffs coordinate the resources of local business service provider partners to make the delivery of solutions more effective for the business customer. BRCs are tailored to the local community they serve and have service providers who are experts in their fields. Some of the partners found at the BRCs include the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration; Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC), which provide governmental contracting assistance; Manufacturers Extension Partnership (MEP); Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE); and
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ployee in a garage has grown to 11 full time and 2 part time employees in a 20,000 sq. ft. production space. As they look to the future, Harvest Lane Honey is hoping to expand into international markets.
Contact Ginger Chinn Managing Director 801-538-8850 gchinn@utah.gov
the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative. In addition, investors, microloan organizations, business incubators, chambers of commerce, local economic development organizations and resources are available at the local educational sponsor. Because BRCs are interconnected statewide, directors can access fellow centers to find a solution for a specific business.
Key Initiatives In addition to the day-to-day counseling with business owners and connecting them with service providers,
The San Juan BRC in Blanding
Governor’s Office of Economic Development • 2017 Annual Report • www.business.utah.gov
