Local economy proves to gain momentum, as local businesses continue to open.
And it comes as little surprise that business owners are willing to take chance at being their own boss. After all, it was announced last month that Scotts Valley ranks in the top 20 as one of Best Places to Start a Business in Northern California poll.
The poll, implemented by Nerd Wallet, takes into the account data from select cities with populations of 10,000 or more. The overall score is calculated using various criteria such as number of businesses, average revenue per business, business with paid employees, business per 100 people, and unemployment rate.
Though Emeryville took the top spot as a place to start a business, Scotts Valley ranks comfortably at 18 out of 177 places polled.
As proof that Nerd Wallet is onto something, three businesses opened in Scotts Valley and vicinity within the past month.
Bounce Buses
For those who must commute to work, a charter bus company launches its services along the Highway 9 area after Labor Day. With suggested stops from Felton to Stanford Hospital, Bounce Buses plans to expand its routes into Scotts Valley area within a month after opening.
Co-founder Joe Eckardt said he is waiting for input from commuters to see where they need to be driven.
“We can add five or six routes, as many routes as they need from here,” he said. “Santa Cruz and the mountains are one of the most underserved areas as far as transportation goes and we are here to hopefully change that.”
Commuters who want to ride the bus are encouraged to submit feedback through the Bounce Buses website. Eckardt said he is interested in meeting customer needs and making everyone’s commute enjoyable.
“We have a fleet of buses that range in size from 13 to 56 passengers” he said. “We try and balance it so that it’s efficient.”
Every bus has Wi-Fi and some sort of an entertainment package, such as a mobile dish. Some of the vehicles have bathrooms.
“We will be also offering beverage and snack services shortly on all the routes,” Eckardt said.
Rates vary depending on the commute length and frequency. To get the best deal, inquire about weekly and monthly passes.
At the time of the interview, Eckardt said he was working on accepting commuter vouchers.
Eckardt, who lives in Boulder Creek, has a background in transportation. He has had the idea about commuter buses for a while, but said he just couldn’t figure out how to make it work.
When Eric Morhenn, his partner with marketing experience, contacted Eckardt one day for a quote on a charter ride, the idea was formed. And now the daily commute through the area may never be the same.
For more information on Bounce Buses, and to give input, visit www.bouncebuses.com.
Nina’s Preschool and Daycare
Opened just two weeks ago, Nina’s Preschool and Daycare already has a steady stream of children. As of a week ago, seven kids were enrolled.
Owner Christina “Nina” Schmidt decided to embark on her new business venture when she looked at preschools for her two and a half year old, and could not find one that suited their needs.
“I love kids,” she said. “I have worked with kids for over 15 years in many different facets.”
Working out of her home, Schmidt offers organic nutrition and educational enhancement, including Spanish lessons twice daily.
“It’s small, intimate and provides hands on learning,” she said. “It’s in a home setting, so it’s more of a safe environment.”
The home where Nina’s Preschool and Daycare is located used to be a learning center 15 years ago. Some may recall it as Gray Gables Cultural Learning Center, which specialized in school enrichment programs.
“It’s always been in the family,” Schmidt said.
One of the things near and dear to Schmidt’s heart is preventing childhood obesity. She said her focus is to cook the best possible meal for the kids who attend her preschool. Schmidt does all the cooking herself and said her energy for that is boundless.
“I love cooking, it’s my therapy,” she said.
On the day of the interview, the children were served grilled mahi-mahi with avocado and cucumbers, wrapped in an organic home made corn tortilla.
“And they all ate it,” she said.
While it seems to be going well for Schmidt so far, there are still some openings for new students. The space depends on whether the children attend full or part time.
“We will never have more than six children present each day,” Schmidt said.
For more information, call 831-566-3082.
Core Connections Physical Therapy and Pilates
Core Connections Physical Therapy and Pilates (CCPT) now approaches two weeks after its ribbon cutting on Whispering Pines Drive.
Scotts Valley resident and owner Kelly Otis has been a physical therapist since 1990. During that time, she has also become a certified Pilates rehabilitation specialist.
“I have been a member of Active Sports Club for several years now and have witnessed many people having a difficult time exercising without hurting themselves or irritating an already existing condition,” she said.
Otis’ goal with CCPT is to create a business that brings together a team of therapists and instructors from different exercise backgrounds.
According to her, the therapists work together to solve mechanical problems in the body. One of the ways is uncovering poor movement patterns that cause chronic pain. Manual therapy is used, and reeducation is key.
Patients are taught joint stabilization, as well as improved movement patterns.
The business’ mission is to help each client find or redefine their individual meaning of fitness and enjoy a high-functioning and pain-free life with activity at any age.
CCPT also offers small Pilates-based equipment classes for regular supervised exercise programs, and private appointments.
Visits include evaluation, postural analysis, manual assessment of soft tissue and joints, personalized instruction and a home instruction.
“I am excited to develop a team of practitioners that combines physical therapy with Pilates in my community to achieve our goals,” Otis said.
To read more about Core Connections’ methodology, visit www.coreconnectionspt.com.
For Nerd Wallet’s poll information, visit www.nerdwallet.com/blog/small-business/best-places-start-business-northern-california.
