A suggestion and a simple Google search led Danielle Dozier to the help she needed to develop and launch her passion – a totally new concept in hydroponics.
Dozier, CEO of GSS Group, discovered hydroponics while pursuing a degree in horticulture at the University of Arkansas and describes it as “love at first sight”. Efficient, sustainable, and futuristic, it seemed a clear solution to Dozier in a world with limited resources and increasing population.
Dozier collaborated with two partners from Ethiopia and Kenya to research market segments for hydroponic crops or systems in East Africa. “That project lasted a couple of months until the outbreak of civil war in Ethiopia,” said Dozier. She had to abandon the project and the partnership dissolved, but the passion was still there.
Dozier’s next step was through internship at a hydroponic farm in Arkansas where she became frustrated with existing hydro tower designs. She found them to be cumbersome, not adaptable to existing farm operations, and made with material that was not environmentally friendly. She had an idea for a new technology but no money or other resources.
A mention of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) led to that first Google search and Dozier became a client of the Center.
“They were encouraging and told me about Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and they gave me constructive feedback to polish my proposal,” she said.
SBIR is America’s Seed Fund, administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Working with Rebecca Todd, an ASBTDC consultant, Dozier won a SBIR Phase 1 grant to test the concept of her vertical tower design. She subsequently won a SBIR Phase 2 grant and an additional grant through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to commercialize her design, the HydroFresh™ Tower System.
The Center has been beneficial to Dozier and her project in a variety of ways. “So many ways,” she said. “They were a sounding board, assisted me with grant and proposal editing, and great with sharing other resources available from state or federal funding.” With the guidance of ASBTDC, Dozier secured over $850,000 in funding.
Taking advantage of the various ASBTDC trainings, Dozier also sends her employees to the online and in-person workshops and seminars to further develop skills and knowledge.
When asked what advice she would give to other small business owners or budding entrepreneurs, Dozier said, “Be patient, be perseverant, and be willing to listen to the advice of others.” She strongly encourages others to work with the ASBTDC.
“It is a free service; you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!”
Danielle Dozier, CEO
GSS Group
gssgroupllc.org