Hebron, CT —
“An SBA Small Business Person of the Year has proven their ability to overcome challenges, tested their vision through innovation, and are involved in their communities. These qualities are the ingredients of Michelle’s success since she began to feed her sourdough starter,” said Catherine Marx, SBA’s Connecticut District Director.
Michelle Nicholson launched The Flour Girl Bakery as a cottage food operation, baking in her home kitchen. With determination, passion, and expert guidance from the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), she successfully scaled her business, transitioning into a full bakery and café. Under her leadership, The Flour Girl Bakery has grown from $22,585 in sales in 2020 to over $1.2 million in 2023, creating 45 jobs and expanding its reach across Connecticut.
A Path to Success
Reflecting on her experience being helped by CTSBDC, Michelle Nicholson shared, “I don’t know how I would’ve done it without CTSBDC Business Advisor Michelle Augustyn.” Since working with CTSBDC, Michelle has expanded her bakery, acquired the café, and launched an event space called The Dooryard. Over the past few years, she has continued to work closely with Michelle Augustyn, revisiting business plans, expanding operations, and revising financial projections. Michelle is also navigating another expansion of the café, set to be completed in early 2025.
As Connecticut’s Small Business Person of the Year, Michelle will represent the state in Washington, D.C., on May 5, 2025, where she will compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year Award during the SBA’s National Small Business Week celebrations.
Additionally, she will be honored alongside other Connecticut National Small Business Week winners at the Small Business Resource Expo and Award Ceremony on May 8, 2025, at Woodwinds in Branford, CT.