Salty’s Pet Supply

Winner of Portland SBA’s Small Business Spirit Award 2015

Nancy Fedelem had been an employee of Salty’s Pet Supply for one year when she purchased the store from the owner in 2006.

Located on the historic and bustling Mississippi Avenue, Salty’s sells food, toys and accessories for cats, dogs, birds and other small animals.

Nancy went to the SBDC when she was looking to expand her business and open a second store. SBDC helped her prepare to have two businesses. She learned how to organize her finances, how to be a better manager for her employees and how to market her stores.

“Not only the support for what is needed to run a business, but also the emotional and personal support has been a great benefit,” Nancy said. “That extra support has been really important to me.”

She has also enjoyed meeting fellow small business owners while taking SBDC classes and has been inspired by their entrepreneurial efforts.

Nancy now has three stores and more than 20 employees. In addition to Salty’s, she owns Fang and Feather Neighborhood Pet Supply and South Paw Neighborhood Pet Supply.