Onward Adventures started tours in 2023. However, we received our basic licenses in 2022. Let me tell you how this all started.
During a visit to the Astoria Chamber of Commerce, Bill and I inquired about the types of businesses in demand in the area. They suggested that I offer tour guide services along with transportation. Throughout our visit, many people called asking for this service, and the Chamber provided my number to a few travelers. I drove them around as part of a pilot program, and based on their feedback, I realized that this service was valuable to the community, so I decided to pursue it further.
I enrolled in the SBDC Launch My Business – Start-Up Boot Camp class, where I learned the importance of conducting surveys and writing a business plan. Most importantly, I received one-on-one coaching from a local business advisor and gained a mentor in the community. A year later, our bookings doubled, and by 2025, after taking the Small Business Management Program With SBDC, they tripled. We now have subcontractors who offer specialized tours and receive requests to coordinate unique events and party shuttles. Interestingly, I get more Christmas cards from people who have taken Onward Adventures tours than I do from my own family!
Our customers appreciate the opportunity to explore historical sites, enjoy scenic views, benefit from door-to-door pickup, and customize their itineraries to suit their preferences. Our ultimate goal is to build lasting relationships with our clients and provide them with a unique perspective on our beloved hometowns.