Success Stories

Chris Bugbee standing in his record store.
August 28, 2025

CBug’s Records Gets By With a Little Help from CTSBDC

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 […]

January 2, 2025

The Bristol Bazaar is a Hub for Small Businesses and Makers

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, […]

https://thegreendelict.com/
November 1, 2024

CTSBDC Helps the Green Deli Bring Vegan Food to Meriden

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 […]

KMR Studios LLC dba Artistry Dance Center
October 20, 2024

CTSBDC Helps Kelsey Rioux Dance Her Way Into Business

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 […]

https://www.theflourgirlct.com/
October 1, 2024

The Flour Girl Bakery, a Rising Sourdough Star

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 […]

https://wallingfordflower.com/
August 23, 2024

CTSBDC Helps Wallingford Flower Flourish

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 Success Story Frank Sgammato, Owner csbdc client.
July 18, 2024

Stingers Indoor Golf Takes a Big Swing

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 […]

January 4, 2024

Sprouts Nursery Playschool, LLC SUCCESS STORY

The Quest for Support: CTSBDC’s Role Odette Charlery, the owner of Sprouts Nursery Playschool, LLC, envisioned something unique and innovative within the childcare industry. Her journey began with a personal quest, unable to find suitable childcare for her son. With a decade of experience as a nanny, her passion for nurturing early childhood education blossomed […]

December 18, 2023

Lil Sunshine Home Daycare, LLC Success Story

The Challenge Operating on a unique 24-hour schedule Monday through Friday, Kamara Moodie established Lil Sunshine Home Daycare in 2007. She explains, “Childcare is my passion. Nurturing young minds, planting seeds for the future, and watching them grow and flourish is what keeps me motivated.” Kamara Moodie approached Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) seeking […]

October 19, 2023

All Marine Spares, LLC SUCCESS STORY

All Marine Spares International, LLC is an International Maritime Machinery Specialist that focuses on the study and supply of American, European, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese-made machinery systems for the shipping, offshore, navy, and shipbuilding sectors. The company’s specialty is mechanical machinery. All Marine Spares represents over 30 manufacturers who are Industry Leaders themselves, located around […]

September 29, 2023

The Nest Coffee House SUCCESS STORY

The Nest Coffee House operates as a for-profit subsidiary under A Little Compassion Inc. (ALC), a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the lives of young adults with disabilities. At ALC they understand that finding your place in the world can be tough and it is even tougher for a young adult with autism, an intellectual […]

August 4, 2023

Nerac Inc. SUCCESS STORY

Nerac, Inc. is a global research and advisory firm helping companies develop innovative products and technologies. President & CEO Kevin Bouley acquired the company in 1999. Nerac undertook a significant transformation of its business offering in response to Google’s increasing dominance in search. Nerac developed and launched a series of improved research offerings in 2020 […]

July 26, 2023

SedMed Inc. SUCCESS STORY

Jeremy Bronen and Timothy Krupksi were business partners of SedMed Inc. which formed in June of 2021. Inspired by Timothy’s family friend, the company was formed and focused on developing mobility products for people with disabilities and older adults. Timothy’s close family friend “Grandma Grace” had suffered a stroke, and Timothy realized that something needed […]

June 9, 2023

BusinessKids Success Story

Helping Children to Pursue their Dreams Angelique Kuang, a former middle school teacher, always struggled with the limitations of providing mentorship to students. Led by her passion for children, she started a franchise of BusinessKids in Connecticut. “I wanted to do more for our youth and community, by offering a unique platform to be authentically […]

June 8, 2023

Tyche Planning & Policy Group, LLC Success Story

Tyche Planning & Policy Group, LLC is a planning and community development consulting services firm founded in January 2021, by four individuals with a focus on municipal planning services. Tyche co-founders Michael D’Amato and John Guszkowski started their own small business as an LLC despite having no prior experience. The founders’ primary challenge was navigating […]

CTSBDC Client: Nalini Srinivasan, Owner of Curry Queen, LLC
May 31, 2023

Curry Queen Success Story

First in the Area Curry Queen, owned by Nalini Srinivasan, is a new dine-in and take-out Indian restaurant with refrigerated grab-and-go meals, and a natural food grocery, opening in Old Saybrook, where there are no Indian cuisine options within a 30-mile radius.” Nalini says that she was inspired by the challenge of investing in commercial […]

May 29, 2023

Hygrade Precision Technologies Success Story

Providing Machining Service Hygrade Precision Technologies is a precision grinding, lapping, and CNC (computer numerical control) machining specialist firm focusing on the aerospace and defense supply chains. Hygrade Precision Technologies provides a wide range of custom machining services with accuracy and quality, from a complete part or just one finished feature. Revenue Growth 2022 5.8 […]

May 1, 2023

Cheshire Equestrian Center Success Story

Meeting the Need for Horse Supplies Are you a horse rider? Do you live in central Connecticut and may be tired of driving 45 minutes to get your supplies? You don’t need to waste your time on the road anymore. Carol DiCarlo created the Cheshire Equestrian Center where she provides equipment, materials, supplies, and education […]

September 29, 2021

Utilizing Emergency Relief Resources to Keep Wedding Dress Business Running

The White Dress by the Shore bridal boutique in Clinton, CT was severely impacted in 2020 when COVID hit and weddings were postponed or cancelled. Working with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, Beth Chapman, the owner of The White Dress by the Shore, was able to successfully apply for and receive federal relief funding.

March 24, 2021

Creating Flattering Swimsuits for Women

Looking for a swimsuit that feels flattering and is still stylish led Hayley Segar to create her own swimwear line, onewith. After finding CTSBDC through an online search, she signed up to attend a course to learn how to launch a business and was connected with CTSBDC Pre-Venture Business Advisor, Mary Kay Della Camera. From […]