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  Baruch SBDC appears in our 2016 Annual Report .  Josh Schaffner Ninth Planet Beverage Solutions Midtown Manhattan SBDC   Ninth Planet Beverage Solutions packages beverages for small and medium-sized producers, specializing in beers for craft breweries. The company was created to provide a reliable and affordable packaging service to small growing producers who don’t want to sacrifice quality control or presentation in the growth of their product to additional sales outlets. Ninth Planet are the first counter pressure filling canner that goes to the customer!  Josh Schaffner is not new to the industry. He has been a professional advocate for craft beverage producers since he launched NY Craft Beer Week in 2008. When he saw the canning problem faced by micro-brewers he had hi

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Albany SBDC appears in our 2016 Annual Report .  Alejandro and Sonya del Peral Nine Pin Cider Albany SBDC   Nine Pin is a craft cider company based in downtown Albany. Established in 2013, Nine Pin is dedicated to creating exceptional off-dry ciders, and to the orchards that make them possible. Apple varieties are carefully selected and blended to achieve a complex, balanced flavor with a clean and pleasantly drinkable finish.  Located in the Warehouse District of downtown Albany, Nine Pin Cider is the first cider manufacturer to be awarded a NYS Farm Cidery license in the state. Nine Pin sources apples exclusively from farms in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. Founders Alejandro and Sonya del Peral are a dynamic mother and son duo that have fostered the development a

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Staten Island SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Johnny, Ray and John Saylak Three Brothers Island Deli & Grocery Staten Island SBDC     Johnny, Ray and John Saylak opened Three Brothers Island Deli & Grocery in the fall of 2015. The deli offers Turkish, Greek and other Mediterranean specialty food products including unique regional teas, preserves and other packaged goods as well as traditionally grilled gyros and kebabs cooked in their kitchen. Two of the brothers, Johnny and John, are US Army veterans who continue to serve in the US military and work at the shop when their tours of duty allow; Ray owns a limousine service on Staten Island. Johnny, a 12-year army veteran, was stationed in Texas where he began creating a business plan with the assistance of the El Paso SBDC office.  That office reached out to the

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Onondaga SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Christopher R. Resig N.K.Bhandari Architecture & Engineering Onondaga SBDC Christopher R. Resig, became President and owner of N.K. Bhandari Architecture & Engineering, P.C. (NKB) in January 2015 after his brother Jim became ill. Chris has been with the firm for 18 years and he and his brother became co-owners in 2012. The firm acquisition was a private transaction that involved both financing by the seller and cash provided by the client. The seller also financed working capital with the client and the client secured a line of credit from Key Bank.  The sale saved 9 jobs and created 4 new jobs. Since becoming the owner, Chris has focused on growing and diversifying the business, and has been working with Advisor Joan Powers at the Onondaga SBDC on an ongoing basis

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Manhattan SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Eric Beckman GKIDS Inc Manhattan SBDC GKIDS is the distributor of top-caliber, award-winning animated films from around the world. Founded in 2006 by Eric Beckman, past releases include many award winners and Eric is a founder of the New York International Children’s Film Festival. The company has scored four Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations – the most for an independent distributor – with The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, and Ernest & Celestine in 2014.  As his business grew, Eric found that many NYC banks were unable to understand his industry and financing needs. GKIDS purchases rights upfront and receives the revenue in future periods. The revenue stream was fairly consistent and predictable but banks were unwilling to

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Rockland SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Barbara Nochturft and Andrea D’Andrea Cornerstone Restaurant Rockland SBDC The Cornerstone Restaurant in Congers opened in September 1994 when owners Barbara Nochturft and Andrea D’Andrea, who had previously worked together, decided to start a venture on their own. Since 1994, the pair has served clientele savory and healthy breakfast and lunch options, and looked forward to growing the business. When Super Storm Sandy hit, an extended power outage forced the Cornerstone to close, caused extensive inventory losses, and derailed their growth plans.  Further complicating the restaurant’s recovery was the inability of suppliers to deliver fresh inventory as soon as the storm passed because many roads were still inaccessible. With true entrepreneurial spirit, Barbara and Andre

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the Stony Brook SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Elena Yakubovskaya Mindwick, Inc. Stony Brook SBDC Elena Yakubovskaya, a research scientist in the Pharmacology Dept.at SUNY Stony Brook, received her Ph.D. in the field of molecular and structural biology from the Institute of Molecular Biology in Moscow. About ten years ago, she was one of the founders of School Nova, a Stony Brook University program that provides supplemental STEM instruction on weekends for elementary school students. Elena is currently the director of a summer STEM educational camp for gifted students.  During 2014, Elena decided to sharpen her focus on STEM education by starting Mindwick, Inc. to promote early science education among public elementary school students (grades 1-3). When she needed assistance with her venture, Elena was pleasantly su

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Watertown SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  David Farrell Medical Gas Technology Watertown SBDC David Farrell was working with a private contractor doing work on Ft. Drum when he learned that the contractor had lost his contract. Meanwhile, his friend Bryan Benson, was working part-time with a local company, Medical Gas Technologies, Inc. (MGT), that services, tests and performs maintenance on medical gas and vacuum systems. The market for the company’s services includes hospitals, doctors’ offices and even veterinary clinics. MGT’s owner wanted to retire, and Bryan needed a partner to help purchase, operate and expand the business.  David entered the NYS Department of Labor Self Employment Assistance Program to retain his unemployment benefits and attended the Watertown SBDC’s seven-week Entrepreneurial Training co

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

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Niagara SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Tony Grenzy Faery's Golf and Landscape, Inc. Niagara SBDC In the fall of 2014 Tony Grenzy decided to purchase Faery's Golf & Landscape, a business that had employed him for the last ten years. He worked with the Niagara SBDC to help make the purchase possible, and Advisor Dinene Zaleski help Tony develop a funding package. This included hours spent developing the narrative, exploring market opportunities, and analyzing the financial feasibility of the project. The comprehensive loan package included multiple funding partners. Tony has grown Faery's Golf & Landscape into a full service golf course renovation contractor.  He has an extensive client list that includes regional courses as well as those across New York State and beyond. Services focus on reno

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Jamestown SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Jim Pullan Jamestown Mattress Jamestown SBDC Jamestown Mattress, a manufacturer of quality handcrafted bedding, was founded in 1886. The Pullan family, the current owners, purchased the business in 1982. Three generations of the Pullan family work for the business, which employs a staff of 35. Jamestown Mattress has an extremely strong and growing wholesale and private label business with nine factory direct retail showrooms across Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Customers include institutions, colleges, hotels, other bedding retailers and several internet companies. Jamestown Mattress has been a client of the SBDC since 2012 working with Advisor Curt Anderson. The primary goal was to establish a new website and then to institute a strong Internet marketing initia

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Farmingdale SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Allison Ulin Harmony Early Learning Farmingdale SBDC Allison Ulin, the owner of Harmony Early Learning, started her career in the child care industry by entertaining at children’s parties, writing children’s music and teaching Music Together classes. She held on to the dream of owning her own child care center that would give parents a sense of peace that their children are being cared for in a safe and fun environment. In 2012, Allison visited the Farmingdale SBDC looking for guidance with starting her business and working through permitting issues. With the help of SBDC Advisor Erica Chase-Gregory, Allison finished her business plan and developed financial projections. She secured a private loan in the amount of $550,000.  Harmony, which opened in 2013, provides a pla

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Mohawk-valley SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Borin Keith Nortek Powder Coating Mohawk Valley SBDC As a Cambodian immigrant who escaped the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia in the 1970’s, Borin Keith immigrated to North America, where he learned the powder coating industry. He worked his way into key management and acquiring 20-years of experience prior to forming Nortek Powder Coating. Borin established his company in 2005 with business plan assistance from Advisor Eugene Yelle at the Mohawk Valley SBDC. Nortek manufactures a wide range of high-quality powder coatings that are sold to industrial and commercial powder coaters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Sales have steadily grown each year since the company's inception. Nortek's manufacturing process and facility are designed to readily accommodate both large

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Queens-Laguardia SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Michael Riotto Michael Riotto Design Queens-LaGuardia SBDC Michael Riotto is the principal of Michael Riotto Design, LLC (MRD), a lighting manufacturer and design firm in Long Island City that was established in 2005. MRD designs are modern, contemporary and vintage, and its staff manages all aspects of project work from consultation through product development, sourcing, specification and installation. The company’s mission is to provide the highest quality of service first combined with the latest technology and expertise to create successful projects for its clients. MRD manufactures lighting for piers, parks, cruise ships and theaters, among other places. Michael consulted the LaGuardia SBDC when seeking a line of credit to stabilize the company’s cash flow. 

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Corning SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Chris Walushka Walushka Auto House Corning SBDC Chris Walushka is the proud owner of Walushka Auto House in Corning. Ever since Chris was in high school, he knew he wanted to own a business focused on his passion for cars and the ability to develop strong relationships with customers. Chris went to college to study the auto industry. After graduating, he worked diligently at a large auto dealership in town, first as a salesman, and then as the finance and insurance manager, with responsibilities for a team of salesman.  Chris saved a percentage of every paycheck to finance his dreams. Chris came to the Corning SBDC to ensure that he was on the right track to start his business. Advisor Susan Buchanan reviewed his business plan and helped him make some foundational decisions.

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Columbia-Harlem SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Reza Pourkhomami Fivesky Columbia-Harlem SBDC Fivesky’s Managing Member Reza Pourkhomami found the Columbia Harlem SBDC by doing a Google search. When Reza first consulted the SBDC, his company was in startup mode, and he sought assistance with access to capital, business planning, and development of financial projections. Advisor Glamis Haro was impressed by the fact that he had already planned his business mentally. Reza put his plan on paper and started using it as a tool for management. During his second year, he obtained a loan in the amount of $250k to expand the staff of the company . Fivesky currently has 20 employees, and has expanded to Canada and Europe. Fivesky designs, deploys, and maintains advanced technologies to help customers achieve operational

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Mid-Hudson SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Lea Fridrich The Garden Cafe Mid-Hudson SBDC Lea Fridrich’s love for vegetarian food is only surpassed by her love for people! Lea had her eye on a well-established, well-loved vegetarian restaurant in Woodstock that she knew was for sale, and in June 2014 she offered to purchase it. A customer who frequented the restaurant Lea managed at the time was so impressed with Lea’s skills and passion that she agreed to finance the purchase of the restaurant and to become a limited partner. Lea was left with the task of determining a reasonable valuation for the business and estimating the total amount of financing required to realize her vision for the restaurant. Mid-Hudson SBDC Advisor Sam Kandel worked closely with Lea to determine a fair valuation, manage the expectations

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Canton SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Dennis & Kelly Forsyth Four Sites Camp Wildwood Canton SBDC Dennis and Kelly Forsyth have owned property on Black Lake for many years and love the region. They had the opportunity to purchase Camp Wildwood, a business that had been in business for more than 50 years. The property included a gorgeous house as well as four cottages and four RV sites. Black Lake, often called a “freshwater fisherman’s paradise,” attracts thousands due to its proximity to the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Thousand Islands, the Adirondack Park, and Canada. Dennis and Kelly realized that if Camp Wildwood closed, it would impact tourism in their area. They felt they were uniquely suited to run the facility due to their connections in the region and skills at maintaining the cabins and grounds. They cam

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Buffalo SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Jabril & Ellen Shareef Living Green Insulation Products and Services, Inc. Buffalo SBDC Living Green Insulation Products and Services, Inc. has worked with the Buffalo State SBDC for several years. Co-owners, Jabril and Ellen Shareef have been engaged in construction related enterprises for over 20 years, and completed the Buffalo SBDC’s Minority and Women Bonding Readiness Program. When they approached the Buffalo SBDC more recently, they were forming their first green business enterprise, which converts recycled paper into cellulose insulation. Jabril and Ellen worked with Advisor Bill Grieshober to develop a complex funding proposal for $960,000 that included funding from First Niagara Bank and the Erie County Industrial Development Agency. They also secured an energy

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Brooklyn SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Andrew Walcott Fusion East Brooklyn SBDC Serial entrepreneur Andrew Walcott has been a client of the Brooklyn SBDC for more than five years, working with several of the advisors. He is the son of immigrant parents, who raised him in the inner-city community of East New York. He is a product of local NYC public schools and a graduate of Brooklyn College, where he is currently an adjunct-professor. He is an Air Force Veteran who worked his way through law school and also has earned CPA credentials.  He has owned and operated his own law and accounting practice for many years. Earlier this year Andrew and his childhood friends opened Fusion East Caribbean & Soul Food, an exciting restaurant in the very neighborhood in which he grew up. East New York is a section of Brook