Songer Whitewater

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Location:

Fayetteville, WV

County:

Fayette

Description:

Business Expansion

Total Project Cost:

$160,000

People:

Susie Hofstetter purchased a failing whitewater rafting company in 1982. Over the next 18 years, she steadily built Songer Whitewater by improving the marketing strategy, packaging with local entities, and improving customer service. The business took on another dimension by offering high adventure rafting trips, which proved to be very successful. However, location of the base camp was a perpetual challenge and the company moved from one rented property to another. Finally in 2001, Susie purchased a prime 104-acre property and doubled the size of the base camp facility.

In order to cover expenses, Songer needed to increase revenues by hosting more weekend customers. To do this, Songer needed to purchase more river access licenses from other rafting companies, which was impossible. Local banks considered this too risky to fund, leaving the business high and dry. The West Virginia Small Business Development Center suggested that Susie contact NCIF.

Role of NCIF:

Working with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and the local county economic development authority, NCIF developed a financial package that allowed Songer Whitewater to purchase additional rafting equipment and river seat allocations on the New and Gauley Rivers.

Impact:

Songer Whitewater is now better able to handle peak demand and will no longer have to turn away large college and business groups. This year, Songer will be hiring additional guides and introducing rafters to West Virginia's spectacular Gauley and New Rivers.