The Bristol Bazaar, an indoor maker’s market in Bristol, Connecticut, supports small business owners by providing a year-round space to grow their side hustle into full-time businesses. In addition to retail spaces for handmade products, The Bristol Bazaar includes Yellow King Bristol, a coffee and cocktail lounge, an event space, and the Think Tank for educational resources and collaboration opportunities.
Business Started
2023
Capital Access
$58,000
Overcoming Business Challenges with CTSBDC Support
Eric and Carolyn Verikas, co-owners of The Bristol Bazaar started Dusty Dude Woodworks as a side hustle in 2017 and turned it into full-time jobs on their own. As the business grew, they decided to stop selling their products on Etsy or at craft fairs. They wanted a space to showcase their products without needing to be there. After years of planning, they developed this concept, inspired by similar ventures in other parts of the country but with their own approach. To provide more than just a retail location, they included a bar, event space, education for makers, and additional features.
The couple sought assistance from CTSBDC during the development of their store. Specifically, they needed guidance on securing financial assistance after encountering challenges with grant funding. CTSBDC provided support by helping them navigate financial options to address these challenges and move forward with their business goals. “Working with Val was super easy. He was a very clear communicator and let us know what we needed to do and how to be best prepared for any conversations,” say the co-owners.
From Loan to Launch
With the assistance of Valerian, Bristol Bazaar secured a $30,000 line of credit and a $28,000 term loan from Webster Bank, allowing them to complete renovations and officially open their doors in July 2023. 'With Val's help, we were able to complete our renovations and open for business,' they share.
“I was happy to assist Eric and Carolyn with understanding the language of lenders. Together we worked on their cash flow needs and put together a loan package that overcame previous challenges and culminated in both the term loan and line of credit they needed.”, says Val.
Source to Go!
“We couldn't recommend CTSBDC enough. Val truly listened to us and understood what we needed. He continues to be a wonderful resource for us as business owners. If any small business owner is looking for guidance in any way for their business, it is worth it! A free resource that is truly wonderful and changed the game for us in a true time of need.”, say the co-owners.
Continue Growth and Future Plans
The Bristol Bazaar is doing well, with all spaces sold out for 2024, 92% sold out for 2025, and over 60% booked for 2026. In 2024, The Bazaar launched The Traveling Bazaar, holding pop-up events in Southington, Branford, Boston, and Middlefield, with plans to host more in 2025. Additionally, The Bazaar partnered with the State of Connecticut and DECD for The Big E in 2024, where they showcased 38 Makers over 17 days while promoting The Bristol Bazaar to a wider audience.
Through this collaboration and ongoing efforts, The Bristol Bazaar continues to grow and support makers and small businesses in its community.
“The success of Bristol Bazaar has helped other small vendors in Bristol market their businesses successfully.”, says Val.
Congratulations!