Utilizing Emergency Relief Resources to Keep Wedding Dress Business Running

Beth Chapman, Owner

The White Dress by the Shore

September 29, 2021 - Clinton, CT

The White Dress by the Shore bridal boutique in Clinton, CT was severely impacted in 2020 when COVID hit and weddings were postponed or cancelled. Working with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, Beth Chapman, the owner of The White Dress by the Shore, was able to successfully apply for and receive federal relief funding.

capital accessed

Capital Accessed

2 Rounds Paycheck Protection Program

The White Dress by the Shore and CTSBDC: A Success Story

After going online to ctsbdc.uconn.edu and requesting an advisor, Beth was quickly connected with Jim Jackson who was able to explain the Paycheck Protection Program, Emergency Injury Disaster Loan program, and other programs that could help her business survive the effects of the pandemic.

Beth worked with her community banking institution to receive two rounds of PPP loans and successfully applied to the SBA to obtain an EIDL loan. As an early applicant to these programs, Beth experienced the challenges many business owners faced as the programs were rolled out and issues arose. By working closely with Jim throughout this process, Beth was able to successfully navigate the programs and receive the funding she needed to operate her business.

“Beth kept her cool during situations where we were having to talk other clients down from the edge of the cliff,” shared Jim Jackson, CTSBDC Business Advisor. “We were able to provide some stability in an otherwise unstable environment to assist in keeping her business alive.

In addition to the emergency funding Jim helped Beth to receive, together they made a plan so she was able to retain two of her employees while her business was closed and furlough other employees, eventually bringing them back as business returned. Today, The White Dress by the Shore revenue is up 15% in May and June compared to 2019.

“[CTSBDC] understands small businesses and the challenges that we face. They are here to provide support and want to see you succeed,” said Beth.

Learn more about The White Dress by the Shore

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