Fernando Velez took a circuitous route to the chocolate business. From spending days on his uncle’s cacao farm in Ecuador to working as a graphic designer to traveling the world with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings—all the while looking for great chocolate—to making sweet treats at home and selling them at pop-up stores, it […]
Tucked away in a corner office high above one of Hartford’s premiere independent cinemas and alternative arts organizations is another building block in Connecticut’s growing creative scene: Hartford Film Company. Founded in 2023 by TJ Noel-Sullivan with the intention of bringing the highest standards in film production to the city of Hartford, the company’s dynamic team of homegrown talent specializes in the production of narrative films, commercials, and more. In 2024, Hartford […]
When you think of a corporate environment, a spa probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. You might picture harsh lighting, office cubicles, and meetings that could have been a phone call. Yet even the salon and spa industry has its own corporate world. Paulina Lacapra began her esthetics career in a similar […]
“Find a niche and fill it.” It’s solid advice for any aspiring business owner, and after years of working in the manufacturing industry, Anne Strobel was sure she had found a niche that needed filling. Finding a reliable source of pallets was a problem she struggled with during her many years in manufacturing. As an […]
Dr. Shivanna Subramani-Gonzalez, DNP, FNP-C, and her husband Jeff Gonzalez believe that even when women are doing everything “right” — seeing a primary care provider, an OB/GYN, and even a therapist — their care often remains fragmented, forcing patients to connect the dots between providers. But they also knew they could help relieve that burden. […]
In 2024, despite a successful career in finance and years of service in the Army National Guard, Michael Palladini found himself searching for something more fulfilling. Like many before him, he found inspiration abroad. While visiting his grandfather in Italy, Michael noticed an entire country slow down to enjoy a good cup of coffee. “Why can’t we have that here?” Michael wondered. It was during another trip — this time to Austin, TX — he answered that question […]
Many women struggle with hair loss, few turn that problem into a thriving business—but that’s exactly what Ivanny Soto did. More than a decade ago, her mother started to experience significant hair loss related to a health condition, and Ivanny recognized the potential in the homemade hair mask her mother created. “She combined natural ingredients… […]
For many, food is synonymous with comfort, and that includes Daniella Brooks, owner of Dani’s Pantry LLC and founder of Cucina Daniella. “I grew up in an Italian family where sharing food was a form of love,” she said. After growing up surrounded by the warmth of Italian cooking, she found she wanted to turn […]
What do you get when you mix a love of vinyl, vintage music memorabilia, and a little help from CTSBDC? Well, if you’re Chris Bugbee, you turn that cocktail into CBug’s Records LLC. Tucked inside The Vintage Shops — which is in East Windsor’s historic Warehouse Point district — CBug’s Records offers a carefully curated […]
Dominika Smaga, a registered nurse, launched Rehydrate IV Infusion on June 24, 2024, with a focus on empowering individuals to take control of their health. “As a nurse, I’ve always been passionate about helping people—there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone regain their strength and improve their health,” she says. Dominika wanted to make a […]
Located at 10 Love Lane, Ovelle Coffee LLC has quickly become part of a vibrant local economy in Hartford, CT. Ovelle specializes in supplying Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, a product known for its unique flavor and origin. The company holds an import license from the Jamaican Agricultural and Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) and works directly […]
Powell Mental Health (PMH) was founded by Dr. Georgia Powell, DHA, MBA, MHA, in response to the intense demands of individuals needing assistance to pivot through their health and wellness journey. Over the past few years, the world has encountered the COVID-19 pandemic, which has triggered a global health crisis and consequently adversely impacted the […]
Creative Jam Art Co., established in April 2023, is a women-owned art studio providing diverse art experiences. The business specializes in a unique paint splatter room where customers can throw paint on a canvas, ceramic figurines, or other surfaces. This innovative concept is led by Marlo Marrero Fernandez, Irmgard Sauntinez, and Brendaliz Ayende, who came […]
The Bristol Bazaar, an indoor maker’s market in Bristol, Connecticut, is more than just a business. It supports other small business owners by providing a year-round space to grow their side hustle into full-time businesses. In addition to retail spaces for handmade products, The Bristol Bazaar includes Yellow King Bristol, a coffee and cocktail lounge, […]
In the heart of Meriden, Connecticut, Daniela Nuñez, along with her husband Carlos, and her mother, Aida, set out to fill a gap in the local dining scene by offering fresh, healthy, and vegan-inspired meals. With a passion for wellness and nutrition, they opened The Green Deli, a fast-casual eatery. When asked what inspired her […]
Kelsey Rioux has been working with CTSBDC since the very beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, reflecting a long-established and valued relationship. In March 2020, she embarked on the exciting path of acquiring Artistry Dance Center, formerly The Putnam Dance Center, a studio with a proud history dating back to its founding in 1996. Over three […]
Michelle Nicholson, owner of The Flour Girl Bakery, found her passion for sourdough bread during a visit to King Arthur Baking Company in Vermont, where she thought, “I want to do this.” However, as her business idea blossomed, Nicholson realized that turning her love for baking into a sustainable venture required more than skill in […]
With CTSBDC’s assistance since 2013, Prism Specialties of Hartford Springfield Providence has relied on CTSBDC as their trusted resource for business growth and success. Since establishing their high-quality restoration services business in 2013, they have partnered with CTSBDC to navigate various challenges. Their CTSBDC advisor, Shelly Koehler, has been a cornerstone of their success, providing […]
With 38 years of experience in the floral industry, Tammy Sirois has brought her expertise to Wallingford Flower LLC, a family-owned business that has been a cornerstone of the Wallingford community at 190 Center Street since 1950. After walking in the shoes of the previous owner, Tammy took over the business and has continued its […]
Stingers Indoor Golf is an innovative indoor golf simulator facility in New Britain, Connecticut, that is revolutionizing how the game is enjoyed. Their state-of-the-art virtual golf systems offer perfect conditions every day of the year. This small business was born out of a deep passion for the game and a desire to create a career […]