According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Data Center, small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses, employing nearly 46% of Americans. Utah continues to stand out for its pro-business climate, supported by strong initiatives and resources that help entrepreneurs start and grow. Each month, the Salt Lake Chamber will highlight a small business in Utah to showcase its economic impact and encourage community support.
In the United States, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime — that’s about a 13% chance, and for some women, the risk is even higher depending on genetic history.
Founder and CEO Rena Vanzo decided to take action after her first mammogram left her with more questions than answers. With a family history that included her grandmother, great-grandmother and aunts, she felt a strong pull to help other women understand the importance of getting screened every year.
That vision led to The Boob Bus — a mobile mammogram service on a mission to modernize screenings and elevate the entire experience. “Here at The Boob Bus, we want to give women more of a spa-like experience where a woman can celebrate the fact that she’s taking care of her health and feel empowered,” Vanzo said. “We also want women to know that technology has improved and the exam is not as challenging as it was years ago — it has really come a long way. With the help of our technicians, warm robes and a relaxing atmosphere, we really make it the best experience.”
Over the past two years, The Boob Bus has helped more than 3,200 women receive the mammograms they need. The team has visited 16 counties in Utah, traveling across the state to serve both busy cities and rural communities, usually hitting the road three to four days a week.
“We’re really trying to bring these services to people who might find it difficult to get away and get to the hospital for their mammogram,” Vanzo said. “We also go to businesses with a high female workforce, allowing women to get their mammogram in 15 to 20 minutes rather than taking half a day off to go to the hospital.”
As a member of the Salt Lake Chamber, Vanzo says the connections have been invaluable. “It’s been a great way to network with other like-minded professionals in the community and talk to small business owners who face similar challenges. Every time I go to a Chamber event, I come home with real contacts that help move our business forward.”
To learn more about their services and impact, visit their website theboobbus.com.
