Client Case Study: Topsail Steamer
Aug 20, 2024
Helene Disaster Assistance: View information and resources available to North Carolina businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. [ Go Now ]
Aug 20, 2024
By Cheryl Young, General Business Counselor, SBTDC Wilmington
Topsail Steamer offers seafood steam pots filled with fresh local seafood, meats, veggies and homemade seasonings for you to take home, steam, eat & enjoy! Each pot is designed for “one-time” use and includes simple, easy-to-follow instructions. They also offer nationwide shipping.
Founded by Danielle Mahon in 2017, the business started in Topsail, NC, and expanded to a second location in Wrightsville Beach, NC in 2018.
The business was affected by Hurricane Florence in 2018 and sought assistance from the SBTDC to navigate the Thread Capital loan process. Two years later, when COVID led to widespread shutdowns and disaster relief programs were available, Danielle again sought SBTDC assistance–this time with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) process.
As a coastal business, Topsail Steamer naturally experiences storm-related risks, as well as the seasonality associated with a coastal locale.
The SBTDC assisted the company in navigating business recovery loans and grants following Hurricane Florence and COVID. As an identified “first responder” for business recovery in the North Carolina disaster recovery plan, the SBTDC is a valuable resource to business owners during times of natural disasters.
With seasonality as an ongoing challenge, Topsail Steamer has over the past two years utilized the SBTDC for guidance on managing cash flow challenges that can occur to help the company achieve a more stable cash flow during the slower off-season months.
The SBTDC continues to provide ongoing mentorship and support to Topsail Steamer, ensuring there is a trusted advisor to turn to as they plan for the future of their business.
Topsail Steamer has expanded to seven locations and has begun a franchising program, with three franchisees recently opened and more expected in the future.
In 2021, Danielle won the Coastal Entrepreneur Award.
Most recently, Topsail Steamer was chosen as one of Oprah Winfrey’s list of 16 products to make the most of 2024 summer fun: Oprah’s The O List: Summer Fun.
Additionally, Topsail Steamer made Yelp’s Top 100 Seafood Spots in the country.
The SBTDC provides comprehensive post-disaster counseling services to support businesses in their recovery efforts. Our team works closely with businesses to assess the impact of the disaster and develop tailored recovery plans that address their unique needs. We guide businesses through the complex process of navigating and securing federal or state disaster loans, ensuring they have access to the necessary financial resources to rebuild and restore operations.
Topsail Steamer
302 S. Topsail Dr., Surf City, NC 28445
topsailsteamer.com
info@topsailsteamer.com
910-328-2645