Obsidian Solutions Group is a long-term client of the SBDC at University of Mary Washington. They first used the services of the center in 2011 for business start-up and business plan development. Subsequently, Jim and Tyrone requested procurement assistance and help with the development of a succession strategy. SBDC hosted a seminar on succession strategy. Then the SBDC helped them to develop a long-term strategic plan and exit strategy.
Jim and Tyrone also requested assistance regarding the 8(a) documentation requirements and needed to apply for exemption to the 2-year rule. The 8(a) application is still being reviewed, but a HUBzone certification was awarded in May 2011, as a result of working with the SBDC.
The company, founded in October 2010, received its first contract and hired one employee in September, 2011. Ten more employees were added by the summer of 2012. By the end of 2012, the company grew to 38 employees and did $1.65M in gross revenues. By the end of 2013, the company grew to 92 employees and did $8.68M in gross revenues.