Arkansas Business Navigator Client Success Story

by Brandon L. Mathews - December 18, 2023

Kayla Lott purchased an existing equine and tack supply store in Ash Flat in the fall of 2022, and she wanted to differentiate her business from the previous owner.

As a new business owner, Lott had a vision for what she wanted to accomplish but she needed help with some topics.

Lott learned about the Arkansas Business Navigator program through a flyer about a workshop at Ozarka College and reached out to Brandon L. Mathews, a program associate in economic development and consultant of Arkansas Business Navigator. The program is an offering of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.

Lott needed assistance developing a budget and looking at opportunities to bring in new inventory. Mathews helped her create historical finances for the business and used those financials to create a budget and cash flow projection to follow going forward.

"Brandon has made this whole process very seamless and easy for me. Running a small business and equine rescue, I'm constantly moving and hard to pin down for meetings. Brandon adapted to what method of communication was best for me at each given time- whether it was a phone call, zoom meeting, email, etc. - Kayla Lott, The Saddle Shop

Lott said Mathews took the time to learn about her situation and where her struggles were running the business.

"From there, he was able to give me tools and walked me through how to utilize them to make my situation better. We eventually found something that works great for me that I still use and plan to use in the future. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome," Lott said.

In addition to establishing a budget, Lott received some market research data to help her define her market and find opportunities to expand the business' offerings. The information was also meant to help her better market her business and services.

Through additional meetings and feedback, Lott decided to rename the business “The Saddle Shop.” She also added new product offerings, and is looking forward to unveiling her new marketing materials soon.