Developing a Business Plan for Allergen-Friendly Hot Cocoa
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
Success Stories
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
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
Transporting a Career in IT Consulting into Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Looking for a break in his 25-year career in IT consulting, Gary Wright saw an opportunity to start a new venture in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Jobs Created 15 Capital Accessed Secured CT DECD Loan