SALT LAKE CITY -- Heber Valley Artisan Cheese transformed from an idea into a national award winning business in only three years but the owners say getting there was not easy.
"When you start a business and trying to fund it and working through all of the faucets you can get discouraged really, really easy," said Grant Kohler, Owner of Heber Valley Artisan Cheese.
Grant Kohler says he was able to overcome obstacles like developing a business plan, managing finances and marketing thanks to the no cost help from Utah’s own and his local Small Business Development Center.
“Having other people who are experts and can help you in other areas maybe you're not as good at really makes a big difference and helps you keep your momentum going," said Kohler.
Whether you're looking to sell cheese like Grant, have an idea and don't know how to get the ball rolling or you're hoping to grow your business, Utah's Own says they're there to help.
"There's a large learning curve, a difficult learning curve and there are mentors that are willing to guide you and help you to not experience some mistakes that they made and guide you through a difficult problem that you're in," said Jed Christenson, Director Marketing Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
The Utah’s Own summit met in Utah County on Tuesday. They say their goal is to get startups and young companies to expand and succeed because it adds jobs and improves Utah’s economy.
"When we see a company with a great idea and has been ruminating that idea for five years or ten years or one year or overnight and to see them take that idea, put it in writing, go to work and make it happen and be successful is a great feeling," Christenson said.
For more information go to utahsown.org.
