BAPA's Market Success Story | NorCal SBDC
Success Story Chico, CA · Butte County

BAPA's Market

Local entrepreneur fills natural food gap in growing Chico neighborhood, creating jobs and serving 5,000+ residents.

$0K
Capital Secured
0
Jobs Created
0+
Residents Served

A first-time owner navigating uncharted territory.

As a first-time owner launching a natural food market, Ashley needed expertise in startup costs, inventory planning, and vendor relationships, while negotiating a prime retail lease in Chico's growing Meriam Park neighborhood. The complexity of opening a specialty grocery required guidance she couldn't find on her own.

Expert guidance every step of the way.

SBDC advisors provided crucial natural food retail expertise, helping Ashley analyze market demographics, develop vendor relationships, and secure $300,000 in startup capital. Their guidance proved essential for lease negotiations and store operations planning—transforming uncertainty into a clear path forward.

The Results

A neighborhood transformed.

$0K
Capital Financing

Secured the funding needed to bring the vision to life.

0
New Jobs

Four full-time equivalent positions created at launch.

1st
In The Neighborhood

The first natural food market in Meriam Park's history.

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BAPA's Market opened successfully on September 13, 2024, establishing the first natural food market in Chico's growing Meriam Park neighborhood—serving over 5,000 residents with fresh, local, and organic options.

About BAPA's Market

BAPA's Market is Chico's newest destination for fresh, local, and organic foods. Located in the heart of the growing Meriam Park neighborhood, the store serves over 5,000 residents who previously had limited access to natural food options.

Visit Website

Location

1920 Market Place
Suite 120
Chico, CA 95928

Connect

@bapasmarket

Butte College Small Business Development Center

Providing no-cost business advising, training, and resources to entrepreneurs throughout Butte County.

Story prepared by Sophie Konuwa

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