How the SBA Helped us Grow

By Ini Augustine

By Ini Augustine
Unknown to me, the SBA has supported my business since before day 1. I signed up to take a business planning class at the ISED SBA Women’s Business Center with my Mother. After having tried unsuccessfully to start a company in Minneapolis, I was intimidated by all the things that could go wrong. At the time, I was working full time job with a company that was showing all the signs of financial instability during the recession. With few other options for employment, I felt it couldn’t  hurt to investigate what help was available for becoming self-employed. The most helpful thing about the business planning class was that they helped me work through my fears, breaking the planning down into little steps. I had the opportunity to speak with people who were self-employed, bankers, lawyers, and CPA’s, before I took the plunge and started my company, SocialWise Media Group. This helped build my confidence.

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Me being interviewed at South by Southwest Interactive festival.

In March of 2012, SocialWise Media Group was born. SocialWise Media Group specializes in Social Media marketing, training, and publicity.  We work with non-profits and businesses to integrate marketing strategies using Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and traditional media.


Having a plan in place helped my company become more and more successful. Even more than having a
plan was the confidence I was given by being mentored by Amelia Lobo, Director of the Women’s Business Center. In fact, the Women’s Business Center was one of my first clients. I was so honored that they would choose me to help them develop a marketing plan! I continued to use the women’s business center as I participated in my first pitch off contest with the Technology Association of Iowa. It was a fantastic learning experience to pitch my company to potential investors. Amelia coached me on what to expect from the judges, my presentation skills, and developing a PowerPoint pitch.

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When I went to Austin to shoot a documentary on women in technology, I called Dawnelle Conley, Lead BOS with the SBA. Dawnelle put me in contact with SBA resources in Austin. Darla Booker, SBA Regional Communications Director of Region VI, connected me with woman owned businesses in the Austin Area, one of whom I interviewed at the Iowa Party.  The SBA has been a core part of expanding my network, and reaching my goals.
As a result of relationships I built through the SBA, I was named Aspiring Businesswoman of the Year by NAWBO, the National Association of Women Business Owners.   I found out about affordable office space at the West Des Moines Incubator. I now classes at my new offices there. In March of this year, I successfully completed my first subcontracting role handling social media and publicity for the Affordable Care Act roll out in Iowa. As my business continues to grow, I am now in the process of getting ready to apply for an SBA loan.
Here is the video I produced for the Women’s Business Center SHOP for women owned businesses:

Here is a testimonial from the Affordable Care Act Rollout:

The SBA has many resources which are available to business owners at no, or very low cost. Utilizing these resources will help your business grow, and give you resources for success.  A simple phone call or visit is all it takes, so take advantage and contact your local SBA office.

Ini Augustine is the CEO of SocialWise Media Group. She is Aspiring Businesswoman of the year 2013 for NAWBO, The National Association of Women Business Owners.  You can follow Ini on Twitter @Mrsmadbiz.

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