SPARK Success Stories
SPARK Small Business Center is proud to have helped many local small businesses and entrepreneurs achieve success and growth with their companies through our advising, training and referral services.
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Charlie Bee CompanyCharlie Agar is the owner of Charlie Bee Company and host of the hit documentary series “Charlie Bee Company” on American Public Television (PBS), now in its second season. Charlie Bee Company removes and rehomes nuisance bee colonies, teaches private beekeeping lessons, leases hives, and sells honey he calls “liquid sunshine” at the local farmer’s market.
Charlie has been working with SPARK Small Business Center and the SBDC since 2010. As the Charlie Bee Company grew and the TV series continued, Charlie reached out to SPARK during COVID and has been working with the office since. 2023 continues to be promising for Charlie as the business continues to grow and the second season of “Charlie Bee Company” is set to air in the spring. SPARK is excited to be part of the process. Learn more about Charlie Bee Company and the bees at CharlieBee.com. |
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Two Rivers RunningIn a remarkable display of collaboration and community spirit, the city of New Braunfels came together on May 30, 2023, to extend a warm welcome to Two Rivers Running as they joined the local business community.
Representatives from the City of New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation and SPARK Small Business Center/UTSA SBDC all actively participated, showcasing the power of collective support. Two Rivers Running, a valued client of SPARK Business Center/UTSA Small Business Development Center since 2020, was embraced by a united community eager to foster growth and success. Committed to promoting healthy lifestyles, Two Rivers Running offers a diverse range of products sourced from local and small businesses, catering to various runner needs from training programs to recovery modalities. The store goes above and beyond to personalize each customer's running experience, ensuring they find the best products to meet their goals. Driven by a vision to inspire people to achieve their potential and celebrate their accomplishments, Two Rivers Running's mission is to provide exceptional knowledge, services, and support to the running and walking community. They aim to build a community for runners and walkers of all levels, supporting every individual's fitness journey. |
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Great War SkateboardsShane Lowe, who recently moved to New Braunfels, is the owner of Great War Skateboards. His company takes two of his greatest interests, military history and skateboards, and combines them to create a fun and affordable board for skateboard enthusiasts.
Shane has been working with SPARK Small Business Center and the SBDC since 2023. In 2024, Shane started selling his skateboards online and locally at the NB Skate Shop. 2024 continues to be a year of growth as Shane continues to actively market his skateboards and share his story online and on podcasts. SPARK is excited to be part of the process. Learn more about Great War Skateboards on Shane’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Also, check out this video interview What Its Like Starting a Skate Company in 2024, in which Shane talks about Great War Skateboards and his positive experience working with SPARK during it's development (jump to 27:49 for SPARK testimonial). |
