In 2008 the SBDC held the first-ever Achievers Breakfast, honoring ten businesses that overcame obstacles, met their goals and achieved business success.
Spectrum Business Solutions, LLC of Madison, CT specializes in copy and printing solutions as well as service for office operations that lead to greater productivity and improved quality. Patrick Harold utilized the SBDC primarily for advice and counsel; our staff served as Spectrum's sounding board and helped them to reinforce their business model concept. To date, Spectrum has sold and installed multiple solution packages to Connecticut higher education clients generating revenues of more than $50K.
Bob Bourassa Custom Catering of Wallingford, CT- Bob Bourassa, a seasoned food executive who attended the Culinary Institute of America, opened his catering business in 2008. The Certified Executive Chef utilized the SBDC for assistance to transform his passion into a practical business plan and to help secure financing. Bob found a business acquisition oppourtunity that enabled him to bypass the many typical start-up challenges. The SBDC team helped Bob evaluate the pros and cons of the acquisition and execute the purchase and start-up tasks that had to be completed. The company is meeting its financial goals, has retained the four jobs that were part of the acquisition and is looking to add up to three new postions in 2009.
MDM Fashion, LLC of New Haven, CT- Korean immigrants Seung and Mia Lee have been in the retail business for more than 20 years and a fixture in Downtown New Haven for the last 10, selling young women's apparel and accessories. In December of 2007, a devestating fire swept throught the commercial block located across the street from the business. Saftey and demolition issues disrupted the business rhythm during the all-important Christmas shopping season, putting the health of MDM and adjacent businesses at risk. The City of New Haven referred the Lee's to the SBDC's counseling and the Lee's hard work paid off- they received a $50K business loan from the City, which gave them the funds they need to add inventory, enhance the shopping environment and market themselves. They are now poised for many successful holiday seasons to come.
Composite Machining Experts (CME) of Meriden, CT is an engineering consulting firm that has been a two-person operation since 2002. In 2008 CME expanded their business into a new facility in Meriden, and was gearing up to provide a full range of services for the composites industry, including high-speed machining, tool design, Coordinate Measuring Machine inspection, mold, repair and silicone building. The SBDC assisted Frank Tomaszewski in preparing a business plan for expansion, which resulted in a $270k financial assitance package from the Department of Economic and Community Development, as well as approval for a $270K business loan from NewAlliance Bank. CME will create 11 new jobs over the next 3 years.
Village Green of Suffield, CT is a unique residential and commerical cleaning service that has been in operation for more than two years. The business uses environmentally friendly products and a distinct technique for deep-cleaning, toxin reduction, sanitization and maximum indoor air quality. With the assistance of the SBDC, Sharon applied for and obtained a Patriot Express loan, which are available for military community entrepreneurs, from Webster Bank for $53,500 that was used for equipment, marketing and working capital.
Bella's Gourmet Store of Putnam, CT is the first gourmet foods and gelato shop in Connecticut's quiet corner region. Its owner, Karen Snow- who was previously a stay-at-home mom - had occasionaly worked during the summer selling homemade gelato at carnivals and fairs and decided to establish her own business while her husband was serving in the military. Before taking the plunge, Snow did her homework- her local chamber of commerce referred her to SBDC and with our assistance she conducted a market study, including a competitve analysis, to be sure the buisness would be viable. She wrote her business plan with the help of an SBDC counselor, which resulted in the approval for a $75,000 business loan from Putnam Savings Bank.
Superior Refinishing LLC of New Britain, CT - Ted Anderson contacted the SBDC looking to secure funding to start his own business, purchase equipment and make leasehold improvements to his facility. SBDC staff helped Mr. Anderson write a business plan that resulted in the approval of a $200K SBA guarenteed loan from TD Banknorth. The sandblasting, painting and refinishing company that serves the manufacturing aerospace industries celebrated their grand opening in February 2008.
Therapeutic Body Works of West Hartford, CT - Lisa Hughes came to the SBDC for help starting a personal training/therapeutic massage business. The assistance we provided centered on finding affordable funding options for the startup business and identifying affordable space to rent in West Hartford, where approximately 90% of her clientele was located. SBDC staff provided resource information and tools for starting a new business, writing a business plan, financials and the loan process. The business sucessfully secured space for lease and was approved for a SBA guarenteed loan/line of credit from Webster Bank.
Biloxi's Bones of Litchfield, CT the manufacturer of organic dog treats, came to the SBDC with a goal of supplying their products to national distributors. Over the last year-and-a-half, Margaret Reed has established and LLC, created a web site, obtained certification as a Minority Business Enterprise and successfully secured contracts to supply her products to Agwam Food Markets, The Pet Health & Nutrition Center, Litchfield Vet Hospital, and Whole Foods in two Connecticut locations and Massachusetts. She sucessfully secured a business loan to pay for operating expenses, which included web site development, purchase of inventory and supplies, and other business expenses. Ms. Reed is currently working with the SBDC to explore marketing strategies, for IT support and to identify opportunities for growth. She is also working with Procurement Technical Assistance Program in order to obtain additional technical support and to explore procurement opportunities with the state and federal government.
VLO Group-New England of Hartford, CT - Cherie Griffith-Dunn first came to the SBDC with the vision of establishing her own real estate development company that would specialize in modular housing, specifically targeted to moderate income homebuyers. The SBDC helped her with business startup, technical assistance, writing a business plan, identifying prospective community partners and making appropriate referrals to lending partners. In only one year she established both a for-profit development company-LLC and a non-profit organization, secured office space and hired staff. In October 2008 she recieved certification as a Minority Business Enterprise and was recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as a 40 Under Forty winner. She has been approved for funding from the National Community Reinvestment Corp. to provide mortgage counseling, education and training workshops.
