Success Stories

December 16, 2020

Preparing a Marketing Plan & Growing a Business

Ava-Marie Sealy began working with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center to help secure the future of her business. The idea of starting a party decor business was suggested to Ava by her best friend and from there, Ava’s business took off. However when it came to financial planning and industry research, Ava realized she […]

October 15, 2020

Adapting to the Times

Nancy-ann Romanelli, President of AA Glass in Bloomfield, operates a small woman business enterprise (WBE) focused on providing the best service to their customers. When COVID-19 hit, Nancy was unsure of how the business would adjust to what was sure to be a disastrous blow to the construction industry. After learning about the Small Business […]

May 22, 2019

Helping a New Entrepreneur Launch a Business

With years of experience and a loyal customer base, Mizi Sansiverso knew that she could run a successful business but needed help getting setup. She contacted the Connecticut Small Business Development to speak with an expert about launching a business. Business Start 2018 Capital Accessed $80k Line of Credit Jobs Created 3

May 7, 2019

Starting a Beauty Salon

Looking for a new adventure, Beth Tramontano wanted to start her own hair styling business but needed help getting the business off the ground. Connecticut Small Business Development Center Business Advisor, Mary Kay Della Camera helped her develop a business plan and guide her through the process of starting a business in Connecticut. Business Start […]

April 29, 2019

Growing a Successful Telecommunications Business

With years of industry experience, Rodney Nedd knew what it takes to run a successful telecommunications business but when he was looking to grow his business he reached out to Connecticut Small Business Development Center to help raise capital. Business Start 2018 Capital Accessed $100K Line of Credit and $190K Term Loan Jobs Created 19

April 15, 2019

Cakes and Pastries for all Occasions

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

April 7, 2019

Turning a Hobby into a Successful Business

When these three friends saw an opening in their local market, they took advantage and launched their own brewery and taproom. When these three friends saw an opening in their local market, they took advantage and launched their own brewery and taproom. By working with their CTSBDC Business Advisor, they learned what it would take […]

March 7, 2019

Raising Capital for Local Compost Business

He had started a successful food scrap collection business but needed help raising capital and planning for the future of his business. CTSBDC Business Advisor Denise Whitford helped him establish business relationships and successfully raise the capital needed to grow the business. Business Start 2013 Capital Accessed DECD Loan/Line of Credit

January 29, 2019

Helping a Local Organic Cafe Grow Their Business

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

January 20, 2019

Helping a Hair and Makeup Business Plan for the Future

Jessica Kennedy and Brittany George were looking to launch their in-person hair and makeup business but wanted to make sure they had all their documentation in order. CTSBDC Pre-Venture Team Lead, Mary Kay Della Camera, walked them through the process of setting up the required registrations and prepare them to grow their business. Business Start […]

January 15, 2019

Creating an Afterschool Enrichment Program

Turning her passion for teaching into a business was a new adventure for Anuradha Kothandaraman and although she had the experience with teaching, she had never started a business before. By working with CTSBDC, Anu was able to learn about the significance of business planning and forecasting. Business Start 2018 Capital Accessed $320,000 Loan/Line of […]

December 10, 2018

Creating a New Line of Protein Bars

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 […]

April 13, 2018

When a Quest for a Healthy Lifestyle Turns into a Business

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 […]

January 28, 2018

Pioneering Salt Water Aquaculture to Bring the Mediterranean to Waterbury

Farm to Table, Food Safety, Natural Food, Overfishing, Toxic Algae Blooms, Healthy Oceans… Ideal Fish (formally Great American Aquaculture) is addressing these critical issues and capitalizing on emerging global trends. Eric Pedersen, founder of Ideal Fish, has built a land-based, high-tech fish farm in Waterbury, taking full advantage of the high quality and abundant water […]

January 25, 2018

Starting a business & providing superior service

James Ollari and Tyler Merrow started working with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center after recognizing that there was a market opportunity for them to provide superior customer service in the Fire Protection Industry. They started working with their business advisor to develop a business plan and lay the ground work for a successful business.