New York SBDC Research Network

Each year the  New York Small Business Development Center  recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the   Queens-York SBDC  appears in our  2016 Annual Report .  Lawrence Thorne   Thorn Electric Inc. Queens-York SBDC Thorn Electric, Inc. was established in 1990 by Lawrence Thorne. After a short time in the private sector, the business was approved by the New York City Housing and Preservation Development (HPD) to provide emergency repairs and apartment and building wiring upgrades. While maintaining the business structure of a small company, Thorn Electric Inc. brings the flexibility and professional approach that is well-suited for the sectors and communities it serves.  Thorn Electric specializes in all areas of electrical installation including: electrical distribution systems, lighting systems, fire alarms, public address and clock systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency services. Thorn’s primary focus is electrical con

After operating a childcare business for more than a decade, Sabrina Samuel decided to open another business that would complement the services offered at her daycare center. Her vision was that of an in-door play-space in which children could play in a safe environment, expand their motor and social skills, and which would foster their cognitive development. Sabrina's Play Studio is a 1,900-square-foot play space designed for kids from infants up to age 9. The well-organized facility looks like a giant rec room and is divided into areas for different age groups. When Sabrina was planning the new business, she consulted the SBDC about start-up costs, financing and sources of capital. She got a loan from TD Bank and vendor equipment financing, and also contributed equity to launch her new business. Today, Sabrina’s Play Studio is in much demand. In addition to standard play time, the center offers after-school programming, summer camp, birthday parties, ch

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Queens-York SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Joanne McNeil Blue Sky Landscaping Services Queens-York SBDC Blue Sky Landscaping Services, Inc. was started in March 1998 to provide landscape design, installation and maintenance. The woman-owned small business located in Howard Beach in Queens, was forced to close in October 2012 when Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New York City and devastated the business and the neighborhood. In November 2012, Joanne initially talked to York SBDC Advisor Brian Yeung at the Disaster Relief for Small Business Forum held at the Resorts World Casino. More than anything else, Joanne McNeil, Blue Sky’s owner, needed financial assistance to reopen her business, and she was seeking funds for renovation, equipment, and working capital.  The hurricane had destroyed the business physically