Northern Michigan is known not only for its proximity to Lake Michigan and hundreds of inland lakes, but also boats and boats and boats – most of which have canvas components to protect them from the elements. Enter Alden Canvas, a full service canvas shop for cushions, upholstery and boat covers for pontoons and powerboats, owned by Chris and Brigett Dewald.

Chris started the business part time in 2010, working in the evenings out of his garage. His business idea was still taking shape, and his biggest challenge was finding the time to learn the trade while still working full time to pay the bills. “We got connected with the Michigan SBDC because I had all these things going through my head, and I really had no way to sort them out.,” said Chris.

“It was a great experience; they were there for us many times. They just made us feel comfortable asking questions; we were able to take a class to help us with our business plan.

We met Joni Krolczyk, our MI-SBDC consultant, online; she was there to answer lots of questions about the possibility of adding team members, buying a building and all the other unanswered questions that we had,” added Brigettt.

Chris continued,” That’s what the MI-SBDC helps you do. It’s a brick foundation that you can build on, and if you do things the way they’ve shown you and the way you’ve planned, the success rate is a lot higher.”

According to Brigett, “Our new building is much bigger; we have so much more opportunity to maybe even expand some of our services. We’re excited to find our niche in the community.”

Learn more about Alden Canvas here.