Success Stories

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.