The runway from small business idea to takeoff can sometimes be quite long. In the case of Mountain West Drone Services, based in Craig, there was nowhere to go but straight up. Owner and certified drone pilot Grant Mader realized there was a huge opportunity in Northwest Colorado to utilize modern drone technology in serving a variety of local industries.
He turned to Northwest SBDC in 2023 to assist with finalizing the business plan and projections he would enter into that year’s Craig Business Plan Competition, as well as local market analysis and preparation for his live pitch in the final round. Mader ultimately placed first and used the awarded funds to help fuel the startup phase of his business. He continued Northwest SBDC advising for growing his customer base over the winter of 23/24.
Mader says, “My advisor was fantastic. He was always there to answer questions and I was able to bounce ideas off him and got great feedback. It really helps when you have a mentor to help you through the process of starting your business. Anyone who’s thinking about starting a business should inquire about this great resource.”
Mountain West Drone Services offers aerial surveying, inspections, photography and videography, emergency response services, and processing of all types of drone-collected data. Clients hail from the mining and energy, real estate, construction, and public service sectors, among others.
However, Mader’s knowledge and experience has led to the company’s primary focus on agricultural services in the rural Northwest. The drones can map range- and croplands and are further equipped with specialized sensors providing detailed information on crop health and growth patterns, helping farmers optimize their operations and increase yields.
The company’s growth strategy includes increasing capacity to offer crop seeding and spraying, and Mader confirms Mountain West Drone Services will reconnect with Northwest SBDC in the coming year to assist with the planning and preparation of those efforts.
