Las Margaritas

Having operated as part of the Tillamook community for roughly 20 years, Vicky Mata’s Las Margaritas has been a fixture of the coastal Oregon restaurant industry, providing authentic Mexican cuisine to locals and tourists along the beautiful northern Oregon coastline.

As a longtime small-business client of the Tillamook Bay Community College Small Business Development Center, Vicky is also a participant in the Small Business Management (SBM) program and a member of the SBDC Advisory Board, offering her assistance and guidance with the Center’s efforts to support and sustain Hispanic-owned small businesses.

Like other small businesses in Oregon, Las Margaritas has suffered from strong economic headwinds caused by the pervasive COVID pandemic, a continuing labor and housing shortage, and the weakening supply chain.

Vicky approached the Center for business advising and instructional support. Through a series of business advising sessions, Vicky’s adviser identified and recommended a set of actions and milestones, such as considering restructuring the business from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company and designing and submitting a request for a significant increase in EIDL funding.

The successful receipt of a well-planned EIDL loan infusion, combined with the restructuring of the business, has resulted in Vicky’s “sunset” to retirement being visible and achievable.

Whether you need help to launch your business, plan for growth, or develop a succession plan, the Oregon SBDC Network can help. Learn more about our services at OregonSBDC.org.