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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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

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 […]

After battling through chronic illness, Ali Lazowski set out on a mission to create a delicious, allergen-friendly treat that she could enjoy. Business Start 2017 Jobs Created 1

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

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.