Buxton Media Productions

From Military Service to Media Mogul: The Growth of Buxton Media Productions with the Maryland SBDC

For Joshua Buxton, storytelling has always been a passion—ﬁrst as a video producer in theU.S. Army and later as the owner of Buxton Media Productions. What started as a one-person operation editing wedding videos has transformed into a thriving media company with a dedicated team, a growing client base, and a brand-new studio space in Glen Burnie, Maryland. However, the journey to expansion required strategic planning, ﬁnancial resources, and expert guidance. That’s where the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) stepped in.

The Challenge: Scaling a Business While Serving in the Military

Joshua ﬁrst approached the Maryland SBDC in 2023, seeking business consulting and funding opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs. As an active-duty Army video producer, he wanted to grow his business sustainably while balancing his military career. His immediate goals were to:

Hire and manage a full-time team to meet increasing demand.
Secure ﬁnancing to invest in equipment and a larger studio space.
Develop a business plan and cash ﬂow projections to prepare for loan applications.
Expand into commercial video production and editing services.

While his revenue was growing, he needed ﬁnancial and operational strategies to sustain that growth.

The SBDC’s Role in Buxton Media’s Growth

With the guidance of SBDC consultant Candace Pruett, Joshua received tailored business support to help him navigate key growth challenges.

1. Securing Funding for Expansion

· $20,000 BGE Small Business Grant: With SBDC’s assistance, Joshua successfully applied for and won a $20,000 BGE Small Business Grant through Hello Alice, which allowed him to invest in new equipment and marketing tools.

· VOLT Loan Application Support: Candace helped Joshua prepare a detailed business plan and two-year cash ﬂow projections to apply for a $100,000 VOLT loan through the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation.

· Exploring Business Acquisition Financing: When Joshua identiﬁed an opportunity to

acquire an existing media company, the SBDC guided him through the Letter of Intent (LOI), ﬁnancial due diligence, and potential funding options, including seller ﬁnancing and working capital considerations.

2. Business Planning & Financial Strategy

· The SBDC provided business plan templates, industry research reports, and ﬁnancial forecasting tools, which helped Joshua reﬁne his growth strategy, pricing model, and hiring plan.

· Joshua learned how to structure employee compensation effectively, balancing salaries with performance incentives.

· Candace worked with him to optimize his business’s cash ﬂow projections, ensuring he could conﬁdently apply for funding.

3. Expanding Studio Space & Services

· Initially operating from a 600 sq. ft. studio, Joshua outgrew his space quickly. The SBDC helped him evaluate real estate options, including lease vs. purchase considerations.

· In early 2025, Buxton Media Productions officially moved into a larger studio space with 1500 sq. ft. in Glen Burnie, setting the stage for increased production capacity and new service offerings.

· The SBDC connected him with local chambers of commerce and economic

development organizations to support the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Results: A Thriving Media Production Business

Thanks to Joshua’s hard work and SBDC’s expert guidance, Buxton Media Productions has:Increased its annual revenues year over year.

· Increased its annual revenues year over year.

· Expanded into a larger studio space to accommodate more clients and services.

· Secured critical funding, including a $20K grant and business loans.

· Hired and managed a growing team, ensuring continued business growth.

· Explored business acquisition opportunities to expand his market presence.

“The SBDC has been a game-changer for my business. The guidance, funding opportunities, and connections have allowed me to take Buxton Media to the next level. I couldn’t have done this without their support.”— Joshua Buxton, Founder & Creative Director, Buxton Media Productions

Looking Ahead
With his new studio space, expanded team, and a strong ﬁnancial foundation, Joshua is set to
continue growing Buxton Media Productions. His future plans include:

· Further expansion into commercial video production for businesses and government clients.

· Franchise their podcast studio model out to many cities around the U.S. in the next 5 years, leveraging video marketing for businesses.

· Hiring a studio manager to streamline operations.

· Acquiring another media business to scale faster.

· Continuing to support and mentor other veteran entrepreneurs.

To learn more about Buxton Media Productions, visit buxtonmediaproductions.com.

Posted: 04/18/2025