Columbia Stage Line & Stable
“The most important part of the assistance received from Valley Sierra SBDC was the one-on-one coaching. My advisor, Ronda Lowe, was available all the time. She really went above and beyond to help me with not just the business development and the planning, but also doing extra research and things that were unique to my business.”
~ Myia Davila, Owner
Columbia Stage Line and Stable, located in Columbia State Historic Park, offers visitors a unique journey into California’s Gold Rush era through authentic stagecoach rides. Each ride travels just over a mile along historic routes, guiding guests through scenic dirt roads and former gold mining areas. Columbia Stage Line & Stable allows guests to step back in time and experience firsthand what travel was like in that historical time period.
Maya Davila, owner of Columbia Stage Line & Stable, began her entrepreneurial journey with inspiration from her first role at the horseback riding stable in Columbia State Historic Park. During her time there, she learned to drive a stagecoach, which sparked a deep passion for this unique piece of history. What began as an early job quickly evolved into her desire to establish her own business offering authentic stagecoach rides.
Valley Sierra SBDC played a critical role in guiding Maya through the complexities of working with state agencies, particularly in navigating the detailed bidding process and associated requirements. Over the course of a three-year bidding phase, SBDC provided consistent support and strategic guidance, helping Maya remain focused and hopeful despite the challenges and delays throughout the process.
Valley Sierra SBDC provided thorough one-on-one advising and ongoing support throughout Maya’s startup journey. Through 26 hours of advising with advisor Rhonda Lowe, Maya received dedicated guidance in business development and strategic planning, along with in-depth, tailored research to address the unique aspects of her business.
Through their engagement with the SBDC, Columbia Stage Line & Stable has experienced meaningful revenue growth, reflecting the business’s continued expansion and success. Additionally, the company has strengthened its workforce by creating new employment opportunities while successfully retaining existing staff, supporting both business stability and local job growth.
The most important part of the support provided was the individualized, one-on-one coaching. Maya emphasized the exceptional commitment of her advisor, Rhonda Lowe, who consistently went above and beyond to deliver guidance, conduct research, and provide ongoing support throughout every stage of the process.