Forward Cody Is About Supporting Local Businesses
It starts with supporting local…
Business technical assistance has been a pillar of the Forward Cody program since its inception. We have assisted local businesses with around 1,000 projects. Our assistance can be a short meeting with the client asking for information about available locations, financing, or marketing guidance, to simply giving an opinion on a business idea. We can also go much deeper by working on business plans, financial projections, and marketing.
Our primary focus is working with and supporting local businesses that already reside in Cody. We value the privacy of our clients which is why you will not see or hear us speak publicly about our clients unless they have given us permission.
Supporting Cowtown Candy
Cowtown Candy
Connie and Kenny Lee asked Forward Cody’s assistance in the acquisition of the existing Cowtown Candy company. They needed to develop a business plan and understand the ability of the company to be profitable. Forward Cody had previous experience with the business and was able to leverage that knowledge into an overall business plan. In 2012, the Lee’s made the purchase and established the business as one of Cody’s must-see retail spots!
The Trailhead Bar & Grill
Supporting Trailhead Restaurant
One principal task for businesses is to establish a business plan. The main determinant of a quality plan is evidence that businesses have thoroughly thought through their operations, marketing and finances. Nathan Kardos asked Forward Cody for business planning help on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 2017. Provided with a basic business plan, Nathan showed up again just five days later to review his first draft just five days later. Nathan’s success can be attributed to his initial dedication to putting a plan to paper and his perseverance in adjusting his plan to meet his needs.
Supporting Sunlight Sports
Sunlight Sports
Forward Cody has partnered with the Chamber, the Wyoming Business Council, the Small Business Development Center, the University of Wyoming Extension, and Northwest College to offer a Business Boot Camp. One of the Boot Camp’s stellar graduates was Melissa Allen, owner of Sunlight Sports. Melissa dedicated time and hard work to actively participate in the class and put together the plan for her company.
Wink Beauty Academy
Supporting Wink Beauty Academy
In early 2021, Ronae Paul asked Forward Cody about starting a beauty college. Her passion drove the development of a solid business plan and her confidence in taking the leap. As with most start-ups, obstacles emerged and caused her to pivot. Early in 2022, Wink’s welcomed their first class of 10 students and launched what appears to be a very solid training program for cosmetologists, nail technicians, and estheticians.
Supporting KT’s Sinclair
KT’s Sinclair
Local mechanic Kyle Allshouse approached Forward Cody to discuss acquiring the downtown Exxon service station. As with all business projects, we worked through a planning process in conjunction with the Small Business Development Center to better understand their business needs and finances. With a sound plan in place, Kyle received financing for the project and has become a Main Street fixture in Cody.
George Farms
Supporting the George Family
Forward Cody had the pleasure of meeting and working with the George Family as they studied the potential of establishing a dairy processing facility in Park County. Forward Cody coordinated funding from USDA and the Wyoming Business Council. Industry expert, Ady Voltedge, assisted in the planning. After an almost yearlong effort, the feasibility was completed. One of the highlights of the project was a survey sent out over social media that attracted almost 700 responses. Locals overwhelmingly supported the George family and supported locally grown products!
Precision Machined Products
Precision Machined Products
One of Forward Cody’s first clients was Precision Machined Products. Forward Cody assisted Pinnacle Bank in completing a Wyoming Business Council Challenge Loan to secure a 4-axis CNC milling machine. Through steady growth, PMP now has 22 employees and a dozen machines manufacturing products ranging from firearms parts to aerospace. Recently, Forward Cody assisted in planning an expansion of their facility to increase production and add more jobs in Cody.
Elk Valley Custom Upholstery
Elk Valley Custom Upholstery
Nadine Goudeau and her husband moved to Cody in 2018. She owned Elk Valley Custom Upholstery and needed help with a location for her company. As we do often, we looked at the available building inventory in the community and provided those connections. When she opened in the fall, she was flooded with demand and has kept extremely busy doing very high-quality work.
Our Focus is on Supporting Local!
These are just a few examples of the many ways Forward Cody is supporting local businesses. If you are in need of assistance with moving your business forward, contact us TODAY!
307-587-3136
1130 Sheridan Ave. #200
Cody, Wyoming 82414
