Blackwater
“The SBDC has been an incredible resource. The one-on-one consultations gave me the space to step back and actually look at my business clearly. With my mentor’s guidance I was able to identify where we were stuck, build sustainable systems, and put real structure in place. And thanks to their help, I was able to secure funding that expanded our spending power and set us up for growth. ”
– Erica Hamilton, Owner
For 25 years, Blackwater Gift Shop has been a Downtown SLO favorite, known for its unique gifts, vintage finds, and locally inspired apparel with a cheeky, fun twist.
Owner Erica Hamilton came to the SBDC looking for support in getting “unstuck” and creating a clearer path forward for the business. Through one-on-one advising with her SBDC mentor, Erica was able to step back from the day-to-day and focus on strategy — building sustainable operational systems, formalizing her team structure, and gaining greater clarity around the business’s financials.
That work ultimately helped lay the foundation for securing an SBA loan to support Blackwater’s next chapter of growth.
Visit Blackwater Gift Shop at 705 Higuera Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo.