Outstanding Young People, Do You Know Any?

[HawkinsHollow]

I just sent him a text to make sure he wanted my help, and he does. Said it has been a tough couple of months trying to stay afloat. So time is of the essence. If I had money I would invest in his business, unfortunately I am broke after my addition/reno. But I know there are ways to help. My thoughts so far; Google Business account, Socials(FB, Insta, TikTok), try to get his story in some media outlets, forums (FB groups, Reddit, etc.). I just did a Google search for his company name and nothing shows up. So I know a better presence on the interwebs has got to help. Maybe there is some sort of young entrepreneur grants to help him get off the ground. ANY AND ALL advice on an 18 year old starting a sawmill/custom lumber/kiln business is greatly appreciated.

 

[ponytug]

I just sent him a text to make sure he wanted my help, and he does. Said it has been a tough couple of months trying to stay afloat. So time is of the essence. If I had money I would invest in his business, unfortunately I am broke after my addition/reno. But I know there are ways to help. My thoughts so far; Google Business account, Socials(FB, Insta, TikTok), try to get his story in some media outlets, forums (FB groups, Reddit, etc.). I just did a Google search for his company name and nothing shows up. So I know a better presence on the interwebs has got to help. Maybe there is some sort of young entrepreneur grants to help him get off the ground. ANY AND ALL advice on an 18 year old starting a sawmill/custom lumber/kiln business is greatly appreciated.

A few thoughts;

I would chat with him further to get a sense of what is making life hard for him, e.g. is it cash flow, growing pains, sufficient customers, loan payments, understanding what he doesn't yet know... I don't imagine as an 18 year old sole proprietor that he got a great rate on the loan for his kiln, and that might be able to be refinanced to better terms.

Is there a local Rotary club?

The Small Business Administration has a bunch of resources, including low cost loans, and often advisors to help, especially for first timers. The USDA and Forest service also have timber related programs.

Buying some localized Google ads should not cost much.

Your posting his website in posts adds your Google "merit badges" to his website, and should help bump it up.

All the best,

Peter