Brio Med Spa & Wellness Success With SBDC

When entrepreneurs attempt to bring a new vision to life, securing startup funding with minimal capital on hand can be one of the steepest hurdles to overcome. For Hali Schultheiss, founder of Brio Med Spa & Wellness in Independence, Kansas, turning that vision into a thriving reality was made possible through direct partnership with the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC).

Overcoming Early Barriers to Capital
Established in 2023, Brio Med Spa & Wellness operates within the healthcare sector. When Schultheiss first reached out to the Kansas SBDC, her primary challenge was clear: she needed access to the funding necessary to start a new small business while working with minimal funds available.
Working alongside SBDC Advisor Laura Keller, Schultheiss mapped out a strategic pathway to test her business model while keeping initial costs manageable.

Strategic Growth: From Incubation to Ownership
Rather than taking on unnecessary risk upfront, Schultheiss utilized a phased approach to growth. She started small by incubating Brio Med Spa & Wellness in a small space to build her customer base and prove to herself that the business concept was viable. 
With the support and funding resources secured through her work with the SBDC, Schultheiss reached a major milestone: purchasing her own commercial building at 209 N Penn Ave in Independence, Kansas, and completely renovating it to host her practice.

A Collaborative Network for Small Business Growth
When asked what stood out most about her experience with the Kansas SBDC, Schultheiss highlighted the collaborative approach of the organization. She noted "the ease of communication and willingness to make connections with other entities that all have a shared interest in helping small businesses thrive!"

Hali also worked with Independence Business Resource Center (IBRC), taking their fall entrepreneurship course in 2021, utilizing loans available to her, and using Jim Correll as a sounding board when contemplating locating to Founder’s Place. Today, Brio Med Spa & Wellness serves local clients directly from its fully renovated building and online via www.briomedspawellness.com.

When asked what advice she would offer to aspiring entrepreneurs, Schultheiss shared an inspiring message:
“Shoot for the moon! Don’t let fear, shame, or doubt hold you back from achieving your dreams. Find a problem that the people have, identify the solution, perfectly execute said solution, and deliver it to the people!”

Through dedicated advising, funding guidance, and strategic connections, the Kansas SBDC continues to help local entrepreneurs like Hali Schultheiss turn ambitious ideas into sustainable businesses.

Hail Schultheiss, middle, poses with staff in Brio Med Spa & Wellness’s reception area.