Success Stories

Easy Pushbar
February 16, 2023

Easy Pushbar Success Story

Pushing wheelchairs is easier than ever! Are you one of those who usually pushes a wheelchair? Are you suffering from neck problems? Matthew Quinn, President of Greenmont Healthcare Products LLC, had the same issue. Matthew developed a convenient and affordable solution -the Easy Pushbar- that makes pushing a wheelchair easier and less impactful for the […]

May 1, 2022

Waves and Wardrobes Success Story

When Jeanne thought about how to start a business around her passion for creating costumes and her skill at designing and creating custom marine upholstery, she thought she had to choose. CTSBDC Business Advisor Mary Kay Della Camera knew immediately she wouldn’t have to – that her business could be built around both! Waves and […]

December 1, 2021

Launching an In-Home Speech Therapy Business

Speech language pathology services require a business model for the therapist to be able to work in close quarters with the client. In trying to serve pediatric clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacqueline Giordano realized she may have success starting her own business visiting her clients in their homes. Business Started 2021

November 23, 2021

Transitioning From Managing to Owning Her Own Business

Purchasing an existing business can be an exciting opportunity, but for many individuals, there may be questions and challenges that come up that are outside their area of expertise. As Kim Wills worked towards purchasing New England Bioassay (NEB), she reached out to Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) for help with various aspects of […]

October 28, 2021

Becoming a Certified Women-Owned Manufacturer

When Susan White was presented the opportunity to purchase Atlas Stamping & Manufacturing Corp, she recognized both the opportunities she would have and assistance she may need. Working with Denise Whitford at Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), Susan has been able to successfully create a growth plan for Atlas. Capital Accessed Paycheck Protection Program […]

October 27, 2021

Opening a Law Practice to Serve Veterans

Paul Kelly started FrontLaw, PLLC as a way to be his own boss and help serve the needs of individuals and businesses in Connecticut, particularly disabled veterans. He first started working with Connecticut Small Business Development Center for assistance forming his business and has also received advising in regards to marketing, website development, and bookkeeping.

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.

September 20, 2021

Opening an Experience-focused Vineyard in Connecticut

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

September 13, 2021

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment for Companion Animals

Torigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc is a veterinary biotechnology company focused on creating affordable personalized cancer therapeutics for companion animals diagnosed with cancer. Torigen’s founder, Ashley Kalinauskas, started this business with the goal to become a leader in the veterinary oncology market and utilize research and innovation to create new products to help pets after a cancer […]

August 30, 2021

Growing a Family-Owned Farm Business

The Modern Milkman came to CTSBDC looking for assistance growing their fresh farm delivery service. Through the counselling they received, The Modern Milkman has reached a bigger market in CT and is now expanding into other states as well. Capital Accessed $150,000 EIDL Loan $300,000 PPP Loan through AgCountry Farm Credit Services

August 9, 2021

Home Health Care for Daily Living

Valerie and Rob had been planning to open their own home health care agency since 2019. After filing their paperwork and planning to launch their business, COVID-19 hit and Kerian Home Health Care Agency delayed opening until 2021. In the meantime, Val and Robert worked with CTSBDC to refine their business plan and focus on […]

July 30, 2021

Commercial Cleaning Services for Schools During the Pandemic

Darryl started his own commercial cleaning business after having worked in the industry and seeing the potential owning his own business could have. With the help of his CTSBDC business advisor, Darryl was able to continue operating his business during 2020 when many of his clients were closed due to the nature of their business.

July 13, 2021

Motivating Business Owners through Professional Coaching

Acadia ActionCOACH helps business owners achieve their time, team and money goals. Utilizing decades of experience and proven methodologies Acadia’s business and executive coaches are dedicated to pushing you toward achieving business excellence. Whether you own a start-up or you are a seasoned executive, working with Acadia ActionCOACH you will identify your challenges and apply […]

May 27, 2021

FinTron Investing and Banking for the Mobile Generation

FinTron is on a mission to make personal finance accessible, understandable, and doable for the Mobile Generation through their all-in-one investing, budgeting, saving, and investment education app, promoting the financial freedom of the Mobile Generation through better education, affordable financial products, and philanthropic give-back programs. For generations, personal finance has been done the old, complicated […]

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 […]

March 24, 2021

Behind the Wall: Working to Develop Correctional Professionals

Alleyne & Co. LLC is a certified Black American Woman Owned Small/ Minority Business Enterprise created to serve as a resource to non-uniformed, civilian employees who work, or are interested in working, in the correctional environment. As a subsidiary, Civilian Correction Academy offers organizations and their employees consultancy, pre-boarding and in-service training, mentoring and career […]

February 25, 2021

Bringing a Taste of Italy to Old Saybrook

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 […]

December 29, 2020

Staying in Business and Fulfilling Service to Customers

Integrity Martial Arts is a martial arts studio in Enfield making a big impact for their students. Respect, self-control, and discipline — these are the founding principles owner Jonathan Metcalf teaches the youth who are enrolled in his classes. Jonathan began working with CTSBDC advisor Denise Whitford in 2016 and since then he has been […]

December 29, 2020

Brewing Beer With Your Better Half

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 […]

December 29, 2020

Coworking Space Bringing Women & Men Together

Owner and Chief Collaborator, Felicia Rubinstein, reached out to the Connecticut Small Business Development Center for help launching this collaborative shared workspace. Felicia is no stranger to starting her own her business but she realized that the expertise of CTSBDC business advisors could help her secure the loan need and prepare the paperwork needed. Business […]