Unlike many online firms where the assigned business planner may have little or no actual experience in the business arena, here you will have direct access to a business planning professional and small business consultant who has significant small business development experience, a masters in marketing and managerial experience in operations, marketing, and finance.

My business career includes serving as a national business development consultant for retailers and distributors. I have also owned and operated a retail business with 30 employees. As such, I have an inside understanding of small business and know the challenges of meeting payrolls, maintaining cash flow, paying vendors, securing funding, managing inventory turnover, and increasing market share in the face of big box competition.

My writing skills are excellent as evidenced by articles that have been published in national industry trade magazines. I work extremely well in diverse and challenging environments and am an experienced collaborator. I have a personal and flexible working style that fits well with small business owners. I am certainly looking forward to working with you.

"Like many small business owners, I ran my business for years with a business plan stuck away in the back of my head. When my business began to grow, I needed a business plan to help me secure bank financing. I went on the hunt for someone I believed could help me. After interviewing with Christie, and several others, I knew she was the one.

All I expected was a business plan to help secure a SBA loan. What I got was so much more. Christie listened carefully to my vision and my needs. She worked with me closely to develop a plan that would carry my business into the future. Since working with Christie my business has grown more than threefold and shows no sign of slowing. I have now purchased the property that I had been leasing for the past eleven years.

Now, I keep the business plan we developed close at hand. It’s one of my most valuable tools. Christie is much more than just a “business plan writer.” She has become a trusted advisor, teacher and mentor, helping me to truly understand my business and the market.

Christie Karis is truly one of a kind."

– Carlton Doup, Owner, Kung Fu Northwest / Kung Fu 4 Kids

"As a commercial banker, I see many business plans. Christie Karis develops SBA plans that are thorough and appropriate to the business. Christie is a professional, listens closely to her clients and to the banker. I highly recommend Christie to anyone who needs a plan of action or an SBA loan."

– Bob Blackburn, VP, SBA Lending Bank

"Christie's professional skills helped me analyze my expenses and develop my cash flow projection to help ease the stress of being self-employed. Her years of business experience and knowledge of budgets and marketing are a tremendous asset to small business owners."

– Dawn Leverett, Real Estate Professional

"The work we've done together on the financials and marketing is truly challenging. It is a pleasure working with someone who clearly understands what makes a small business work. Your level of professionalism is on a par with what I've seen from Deloitte-Touche and Anderson. I've had a big-budget business plan at a rate our startup can afford."

– Michael Brooks, Owner, Journey-Out

"Christie's experience, insight, and knowledge are unsurpassed. She listened to our ideas, allowed us to think out of the box, and kept us focused throughout the entire process. No software program can ever touch the uniqueness of our business plan."

– Elise Lindborg & Kelli Henderson, Zippy Dogs

"Christie Karis had insights that went far beyond ours. An MBA proofreader said, 'Very, very impressive and thorough. You would get an "A" in any MBA class with this plan.'"

– Tim Vack & Jeff Bergerson, Owners, Bfit2live

"Christie Karis combines decades of sound business experience, careful listening skills and a sincere desire to help professionals realize their unique visions. She hones ideas into action steps - and gets results."

– Margaret Sutro, MA, Movement Therapist

"I wanted to send you a giant THANK YOU! The SBA has guaranteed and approved our loan. It's been a long time coming, and it wouldn't have happened without all that you have done for us. I thank you deeply."

– Shaun Myrick, Raino Staging & Interior Design

"Christie, how could I even be here if it weren't for you?! What an incredible journey. Talk about eye-opening. What a great beginning for this new adventure."

– Alex Radcliffe, Owner, Alexander's Chocolate Classics

"I want thank Christie Karis for her help on my Marketing Plan. When I say help I mean, she developed it from the ground up, this was my first time at producing such a plan and she made it painless. She took the time to sit down with me and explain the whole process."

– Matthew Smith, DC, Body Smith Chiropractic

"Before meeting Christie, I felt like a deer in headlights. I wasn't sure I would find someone who could help me with my computer networking business. Christie proved me wrong and thanks to her, I not only know where my target is, I have a focused plan that is causing me and my business success."

– Sean O'Hogan, Kompaas Computer Consulting

"Christie breaks the process down into digestible pieces, so you can't get overwhelmed. I really liked that she gave me work to do. Christie didn't simply want to write a business plan for me, she wanted to teach me how my industry and competition worked. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for her guidance. She isn't just a consultant, but a partner and I highly recommend her."

– Melanie Sadek, Murphy’s Paw

"Christie’s ability to ask questions, listen to the intent of the message and then wordsmith a business plan that is ready for presentation is impressive. Her experience and knowledgeable contributions provide an assurance that the business plan is well crafted and will be well received."

– J Pryor, Panama Medical Institute

If you need a business plan with compelling marketing strategy and financial clarity to get started, secure funding or increase market share, please contact me today so we can discuss your needs. Your first step to success is only a keystroke away!