When florist Tessa Kumpula approached her bank about opening a business, they referred her to MMCDC and the West Central Small Business Development Center. After receiving a $25,000 start-up loan from MMCDC and an SBDC business plan, she is glad for the advice.
They have a lot of services they offer, and it’s easier than trying to do it on your own. — Tessa Kumpula (floraandfloret@gmail.com)
She gained helpful experience early in life that she now uses daily. Growing up, she helped her mother provide wedding event decor in Buffalo, Minn., and, later, worked for a garden center and a landscaper. She seeks ways of partnering with and being a resource to others. Her advice to would-be business owners? “Use your resources” and “stay calm and find a solution.”
The store provides:
- Special occasion flowers and décor for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and more
- Hand-crafted items from other
small U.S. businesses - Local vendor room with handmade soaps, baby gifts and textiles
- Fresh flowers, green plants and designed décor
- Garden and flower pot design and delivery
