“When it came time to secure financing for construction and launch, the SBDC connected me with banks, CDFIs, and walked me through the entire loan process. They reviewed my business plan, sharpened my financial forecast using Live Plan, and even helped me get QuickBooks set up correctly.”
- Elaine O’Connor, Founder PV Bark
Purpose-Led and Pet-Focused: How PV Bark is Becoming Arizona’s Premier Dog Boarding and Care Destination
Background
In July 2021, Elaine O’Connor and her husband, Mike, were in the middle of a home upgrade in Prescott, Arizona. What should have been an exciting project—adding HVAC to their home—turned into a logistical nightmare. With electricians and technicians swarming the property, they were in immediate need of a safe and reliable place for their two dogs.
In seeking out options, the couple realized the local boarding facility they had used before was fully booked and another option said to check back in 12 weeks. That was the moment everything changed for Elaine and she realized there was a serious gap in the pet care and pet boarding market—and true to the entrepreneur mentality, that if no one else was going to solve this problem in a rapidly growing community, Elaine would.
PV Bark was born.
The concept of PV Bark was brought to life in 2021 with a mission: to enrich the lives of dogs so that they may bring happiness to their humans. The vision remains: to become the most beloved pet care provider in Arizona. Elaine is working to fulfill this vision with the first location scheduled to open in January of 2026.
Challenges and Opportunities & SBDC Support
Elaine was introduced to the Small Business Development Center ( SBDC) at Yavapai College early in her journey, and the SBDC Team has been in Elaine’s corner ever since. Lead counselors provided guidance, business plan support, and financial review. The team answered questions about the business loan process and connected Elaine with a number of resources, lenders, and other mentors. The SBDC also offered her no cost access to a LivePlan account, which allowed Elaine the opportunity to create a full business plan, financial forecast, and prepare her for future lending.
“When it came time to secure financing for construction and launch, the SBDC connected me with banks, CDFIs, and walked me through the entire loan process. They reviewed my business plan, sharpened my financial forecast using Live Plan, and even helped me get QuickBooks set up correctly.” - Elaine O’Connor, Founder PV Bark
A Moonshot Champion
As Elaine’s drive and commitment became evident, the SBDC advisors knew she’d be a great fit for the Moonshot Rural Pitch Tour and encouraged her to take part. The program gives entrepreneurs the chance to sharpen their five-minute business pitch in front of a panel of judges—competing for cash awards, learning opportunities, and valuable mentorship. Local champions then go on to represent their communities in the statewide finals for a $10,000 grand prize.
“My SBDC Advisors encouraged me to take a leap and apply for the Moonshot Pioneer Pitch competition. With their coaching and feedback, I went on to win the statewide finals in 2022, securing $10,000 in funding and media attention that helped put PV Bark on the map.”
Through many unforeseen challenges and difficult decisions, Elaine remained optimistic, and continued to persevere. Following her successful win at the Moonshot state finals, Elaine was even more motivated to realize her business. Now, four years since the Moonshot pitch competition, Elaine identified the ideal location in Prescott Valley where current renovations to a 11,560 sq. ft. indoor facility with an additional ~5,000 sq. ft. of fenced outdoor play yards.
The idea Elaine once had floating around in her head has now become a reality.
Beyond Business Advice— The SBDC Provides Moral Support
The SBDC provided strategy, structure, and the right contacts. But they also provide something much more important: encouragement.
Entrepreneurship is hard. The road to finding a location, getting through permitting, hiring the right people, and staying sane through construction is long and winding. Having mentors who believed in the vision—and in Elaine—made all the difference.
Results and Future Plans
Elaine’s advice to the entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners out there: "If you’re starting a business in Yavapai County, know that you’re not alone. Get in touch with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Yavapai College early. Their support can be the difference between struggling in silence and growing with confidence.
Thanks to their help, PV Bark is not just a business. Elaine has created a solution to a real-world local problem, built a brand that is powered by her passion, and which has the potential to grow and expand.
We can’t wait to see what Elaine does next.