ASBTDC congratulates the 2022 Arkansas Small Business Person of the Year Jaim Krutz.
Krutz is the majority owner of Big Cuppa, LLC in Morrilton and a client of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.
She and winners from all 50 states will be honored May 5 at a virtual awards ceremony as part of National Small Business Week activities.
ASBTDC Helps Coffee Business Grow
Krutz opened Big Cuppa in 2017 with her husband, Marty. One of their goals was to help revitalize Morrilton’s downtown. The coffee shop took off, and after completing a five-year growth plan in only two years, Jaim knew that she would need assistance with deciding what future opportunities to pursue and how to scale their business.
She reached out to Ronda Hawkins at the Arkansas Tech University ASBTDC. Since 2019, Hawkins has advised Krutz on equipment financing and plans for expansion and COVID-19 relief funding.
“I was introduced to ASBTDC in my second year of business when Big Cuppa wanted to start roasting our own coffee beans. Ronda Hawkins, the director at ATU’s ASBTDC, helped me with my projections and formalizing the roasting business plan. This allowed us to receive a loan from our bank to purchase the equipment,” said Krutz.
“Since that first meeting, Ronda has been involved in every major business decision on some level. Sometimes she gets me some additional data. Sometimes she guides me to a financial indicator for making a data-driven decision.”
Hawkins recommended that she apply for the 2021 Emerging Leaders Program offered by the Small Business Administration. Krutz called her participation in Emerging Leaders “life changing.” She has also taken part in many ASBTDC seminars and webinars.
“I have attended numerous ASBTDC seminars, especially during the first year of COVID-19. Ronda made sure I was aware of all the programs offered to small businesses, the due dates, and guidance on all those forms,” said Jaim. “At a recent seminar on SEO, I made a connection with a commercial loan officer that financed our newest roasting facility. I also learned that I will be outsourcing SEO – sometimes those seminars let you know when you should delegate!”
The business has grown into a multi-site operation with 13 employees.
In addition to its downtown coffee shop and separate drive-thru location, Big Cuppa now sells syrups and coffee all over the United States and abroad. Since adding a roastery, the company is looking to expand its wholesale market.
“As a full-service roastery, coffee shop business planning is part of the services we offer. I refer 100% of my new clients in the area to Ronda Hawkins at Arkansas Tech University ASBTDC,” Krutz said.
Open House Celebration
The SBA Arkansas District Office will hold a celebration at Big Cuppa on May 5 from 5-7 p.m. The public is invited.
Community and business leaders will address the audience, meet with local entrepreneurs, and visit surrounding small businesses. Scheduled to participate are SBA District Director Edward Haddock, ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine, Main Street Arkansas Director Greg Phillips, Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer, and others.