Ohio University’s Small Business Development Center powers new investment

Stacey Johnson, owner of The Fry Pie Lady in Lancaster, exemplifies the commitment of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to supporting local entrepreneurs.

When Johnson acquired the business from a fellow church member, she immediately partnered with SBDC Advisor Erin Gibson.

“Starting her own business had been a dream of hers, and this was right up her alley because baking has always been a big part of her family life,” explains Gibson.

SBDC: Empowering small businesses in Southeast Ohio

The SBDC—part of Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service—continuously makes a significant impact in the region. Over the last three years, the SBDC has assisted more than 2,650 clients and secured more than $52 million in funding, providing no-cost business assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Southeast Ohio.

An award-winning program, OHIO’s SBDC has consistently been the top-rated SBDC in Ohio.

Drawing from a 13-county region in Southeast Ohio, the SBDC client base includes businesses in all industries including mom-and-pop food businesses, such as Johnson’s.

Johnson took over the Lancaster-based business in early February, and by Valentine’s Day, she incorporated additional offerings.

“Being that chocolate is big for Valentine's Day, we introduced a chocolate-covered cherry pie and a chocolate raspberry pie,” she says. “Those seemed to go over really well and kind of introduced myself as a you know, a new owner bringing in some new flavors.”

Johnson works out of a commercial kitchen at her church, making the pies weekly on Tuesday with the help of her husband, a retired pastor. Wednesday is frying day, and by that evening, upwards of 200 pies are dropped off at two Lancaster locations, the Keller Market House and the Lancaster Greenhouse and Nursery.

Johnson says she checks in with Gibson about every six weeks to bounce ideas back and forth, including potentially hiring an employee to help out in the kitchen as well as capital investment purchases.

“Right now I use a tortilla maker to roll out the dough,” she says. “I would love to buy a larger dough press to help make the process more efficient.” A brick and mortar location might be in the offing (“maybe part of the five-year plan,” Johnson laughs), and when the time is right, Johnson knows who to call.

“We continue to work with these businesses throughout,” Gibson says. “We never want to say, ‘Oh hey, you started a business, good luck you’re on your own,’ because let's face it, the real work begins when the business grows and ultimately becomes successful and the SBDC will be there every step of the way.”

To obtain additional information or to become a client, contact the Ohio University SBDC at https://sbdc.ohio.edu/.