At a time when many craft breweries are closing their doors, Urban Lodge Brewing Company is booming. So, what’s their secret? Smart growth. While their delicious beer and community-oriented business strategy are key to the recipe for success, so is expert guidance from Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) Advisor Shelly Koehler. Co-owners—and brothers-in-law—Michael Gerrity […]
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 […]
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 […]
As an experience-focused vineyard, Aquila’s Nest Vineyards was founded by Neviana Zhgaba and her husband, Ardian Llomi, to produce wines ultimately bring people together, cultivate stronger communities, provoke storytelling, and promote local art. Capital Accessed $120,000 SBA 7a Loan $70,000 Commercial Bank Loan $30,000 Line of Credit $5,000 DECD CARES Act Grant Jobs Created 29
After a trip to Italy and experiencing the culture, Derrik and Kelley Kennedy decided to open their own wine bar in their community of Old Saybrook, CT. Being first-time business owners, they worked closely with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center to understand the requirements of opening this business and did so successfully in November […]
Rachel and Matthew shared a passion for brewing beer and sharing it with their family and friends. When the opportunity came along to make their hobby a full time business, they were excited to take the next steps. However, as first-time entrepreneurs they had a lot of questions and needed help securing a loan for […]
With a passion for food and cakes that taste just as fabulous as they look, Lorals Cakes and Pastries was born. Founded by Lorraine Simon-Lewis, Lorals LLC was formed out of her home in February 2018 followed by Lorals Cakes and Pastries in November 2018. Business Start 2018 Capital Accessed Self-funded
Robert Bernado, owner of Right Path Cafe came to Connecticut Small Business Development Center looking for help with putting plan in place to grow his business. He was connected with Matt Nemeth who helped him secure a line of credit and prepare for a profitable future. Business Start 2015 Capital Accessed CEDF Loan/Line of Credit
Tony Leonardi and Lori Aleks created Muscle Up Bars as a response to there being no other protein bar available that was sweet potato based. By working with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, they were able to secure a loan and grow their business in order to continue expanding. Business Start 2016 Capital Accessed […]
When Ian Ceppos gave up alcohol for a healthier lifestyle, he soon realized there weren’t many drink options in social settings. He was at his wit’s end with seltzer and lime when he was introduced to kombucha. Together with his wife, Liz Ceppos, they did their research and tested recipes, but still lacked industry experience […]