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 Start
1999
Capital
SBA Loan & crowdfunding through IFundWomen.com
Jobs Created
4
CTSBDC & HAYVN Coworking: A Success Story
Owner: Felicia Rubenstein
Business Start Date: 1999
What Does Your Business Do?
HAYVN is a coworking space for women located in Darien, CT. HAYVN provides office and desk rentals by the day, week, month, or year on a flexible as-needed basis as well as programming designed to support female entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their business. While we welcome men and have quite a few men who have joined HAYVN, our programming is targeted at the unique challenges that women have in business.
What Inspired You to Start Your Business?
After a career working in STEM working at companies including Apple, General Electric and FMC, I wanted to find more flexibility once I had my children. I ended up starting my own company working with small and mid-sized businesses, many led by women. I realized that the entrepreneurs I was working with really wanted to collaborate and be part of a larger community. My vision for HAYVN is to create a place where women can connect, collaborate, and make their dreams come true.
Before Coming to the CTSBDC, What Were Your Primary Challenges and/or Needs?
I had developed my business plan and completed significant research but needed help getting financing to support HAYVN's launch.
How Has the CTSBDC Helped You Overcome Your Challenges?
Financing was a critical milestone in getting HAYVN launched and Christine continues to work with me to help manage the budget we created.
What Have You Learned/Changed Since Working with the CTSBDC?
Christine has helped me develop my financial projections that both got me comfortable with the risk I was taking and also helped me obtain financing. Additionally, she's been a sounding board for other hiring decisions and grant possibilities. Finally she's brought her expertise working with social impact companies to our conversations and is helping HAYVN become a b-corp
How is Your Business Doing Now? What Does Your Future Look Like?
I opened the doors at HAYVN in June 2019, just a few months after my loan closed. Since then our membership has been growing, we're meeting our projections and nearby towns have been asking me to expand so I'm excited about where HAYVN is going!
What Was It Like Working With Your Advisor?
Christine has been a pleasure to work with - she's been able to help me through the challenging process of raising capital. Through the process of developing financial projections and meeting with bankers, she has become a trusted advisor and is currently helping me get HAYVN certified as a B-corp.
How Has the CTSBDC Helped You Overcome Your Challenges?
Financing was a critical milestone in getting HAYVN launched and Christine continues to work with me to help manage the budget we created.
What Have You Learned/Changed Since Working with the CTSBDC?
Christine has helped me develop my financial projections that both got me comfortable with the risk I was taking and also helped me obtain financing. Additionally, she's been a sounding board for other hiring decisions and grant possibilities. Finally she's brought her expertise working with social impact companies to our conversations and is helping HAYVN become a b-corp
How is Your Business Doing Now? What Does Your Future Look Like?
I opened the doors at HAYVN in June 2019, just a few months after my loan closed. Since then our membership has been growing, we're meeting our projections and nearby towns have been asking me to expand so I'm excited about where HAYVN is going!
What Was It Like Working With Your Advisor?
Christine has been a pleasure to work with - she's been able to help me through the challenging process of raising capital. Through the process of developing financial projections and meeting with bankers, she has become a trusted advisor and is currently helping me get HAYVN certified as a B-corp.
What Words of Advice Would You Give to Small Businesses Looking to Work with CTSBDC?
If you need help achieving your goals or if your team is missing some needed skills or competencies, sign up with the SBDC.
"Felicia was a dream client in so many ways - she was so clear with her vision and committed to making it happen. She worked exceptionally hard and put together a strong and talented advisory team - it was really an honor seeing her business plan come to life!"
Learn more about HAYVN Coworking: