In 2019, Crystal Barker was searching for an underserved area to expand her CPB Behavioral Therapy services. A cash-prize finish in a local pitch competition and connecting with the Longwood SBDC – Western Region made that possible.

“CPB Behavioral Therapy offers behavioral analysis for ages 2 to 21,” Crystal explains. “We work on reducing disruptive behaviors as well as increasing communication and social skills — or anything else a child with developmental delays or a disability needs.”

Crystal still maintains an office in Stafford but her decision to expand the business with an office in Stuart, a town of 1,400 in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was twofold.

“It was the beauty of the mountains plus a push to bring behavioral services to rural areas of Virginia,” she notes. “We moved right before the pandemic.”

When COVID-19 slowed her plans, Crystal used the time to enroll in the Patrick County Business Builders business boot camp. The Longwood SBDC was one of the boot camp sponsors. The course culminated in a business pitch competition that saw CPB Behavioral Therapy win a cash prize as the third-place finisher.

While Crystal was pleased at CPB Therapy’s performance in the competition, she already considered herself a winner.

“That’s where I met Longwood SBDC Business Analyst Michael Scales,” she says. “Michael helped with everything from a business plan to making connections with local banks and others in the business community.”

Crystal used the $2,000 cash prize from the Business Builders competition to lease her first office space and started seeing clients in Patrick County in 2022.

“Being in a rural area you have to approach things differently,” she notes. “Having Michael, who really knows the rural community, is very helpful. It’s nice to have that sounding board.”

Michael also assisted Crystal with obtaining a working capital loan for $25,000 that will help CPB Behavioral Therapy’s future growth, which she’s already planning for.

“We’ve already moved to a larger location down the street that allowed us to double our staff and client base,” she says. “We’re also talking about adding additional services not specifically healthcare based.”

Crystal explained that many in the community had expressed a need for a family activity center.

“We want to add what is most beneficial here,” she adds. “That’s the next project we’ll consult Michael about.”

Crystal credits Michael and the SBDC for a successful start to her business in Stuart.

“We’re definitely growing and looking to diversify,” she says. “Since we started working with the SBDC, we’ve tripled our service delivery and our staff has grown to 20 employees.”

Crystal still takes advantage of SBDC services and encourages others to do the same.

“I plan to work with the SBDC for many years to come,” Crystal concludes. “I tell other business owners — call the SBDC. They’ll help you figure out the right plan for your business.”