January 16, 2026

From Vision to Launch: How SBDC Helped Stamp & Ship LLC Get Off the Ground

For Jessica Gutierrez, owner of Stamp & Ship LLC, support from the SBDC helped transform her vision of a community-centered shipping business into a venture ready to open its doors.

Jessica Gutierrez set out with a clear and ambitious goal: to create a welcoming, one-stop mailbox and shipping business that offered more than just postage. She envisioned Stamp & Ship LLC as a place where customers could conveniently handle shipping, passport photos, notary services, and other everyday needs.

Inspired by a desire to bring professional, friendly service to her local community, Jessica took the leap into entrepreneurship without prior business ownership experience. What she did have was determination, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to building something valuable for her neighborhood.

Overcoming Leasing and Funding Challenges

Like many first-time business owners, Jessica quickly encountered two major hurdles: securing the right commercial space and obtaining startup funding. With help from SBDC consultant Robert Kirkpatrick, Jessica toured potential properties, reviewed lease proposals, and learned how to negotiate with confidence. With Robert’s guidance, she successfully secured more favorable lease terms, including reduced rent, landlord-covered HVAC maintenance, and several months of free rent, critical savings during the startup phase.

At the same time, SBDC consultant Jose Navarrete-Cruz worked closely with Jessica on business planning, startup budgeting, and developing financial projections. He also introduced her to Accessity, a mission-driven lender focused on supporting small businesses. With Jose’s support, Jessica successfully secured a startup loan, giving her the capital needed to move forward.

The Value of One-on-One Consulting

For Jessica, the most impactful part of working with the SBDC was the personalized, one-on-one consulting. Robert’s experience gave her the confidence to navigate complex lease negotiations, while Jose’s financial expertise helped her understand the numbers behind her business and prepare to secure funding. “The SBDC has been invaluable to me in starting my business. I was able to sign a lease with confidence thanks to Robert’s help, and I was able to secure funding because of Jose’s help!” Together, their guidance turned a process that once felt intimidating into one that felt manageable and exciting.

With SBDC support, Jessica secured a 1,984-square-foot retail space in a high-traffic shopping center. Even with Stamp & Ship LLC officially opening, Jessica plans to continue working with the SBDC as she tackles hiring and day-to-day operations. “I’m just getting started and will continue to rely on the SBDC for support with hiring and business operations. Thank you so much, SBDC!”

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert business consulting, training, and resources at no cost to you. Whether you are launching a new idea or scaling an existing business, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today.