Over the past year, what is it that we have all yearned for and ordered as take out so many times to bring comfort to us in times when we were too tired and too stressed?

What have we bought gift cards for, ordered or donated to give to those on the front lines taking care of us all? What industry has been one of the hardest hit, yet still are persevering in anyway possible due to the dedication of their repeat customers and their passion for what they do. Where is it that we can’t wait to go visit again and partake in their passion to bring comfort and joy to us all after such an unprecedented year?

In the small business community, we always talk about networking, connections, and working with trusted partners.  That has never been truer than when it comes to working with a lender, especially during the current climate.
 
When you are starting or expanding a business, having a good relationship with your lender can make or break a deal.  Those lenders that are local where you can put a name to a face, where he or she is a part of your community and you can see the person at the grocery store, really is an important piece to your puzzle.

In late November 2020 Chelsea Lembo, a former public elementary school teacher and certified educator with a specialty in arts-integrated learning, was organized and ready to make an impact. She had already established an entity (LLC) for her start-up and had a space secured in Marcellus where she could provide students with creative workshops.

Before the 2020 pandemic, Chelsea had planned to start her business exclusively as a creative based learning experience. After COVID hit, she decided to pivot her business plan by assessing the immediate needs of her target customer base.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the adoption of e-commerce sites and online shopping portals for small enterprises; and Mixed Methods in Hanover Square, Syracuse, is no different. 

In fact, owner Amy Wilson has demonstrated some of the best practices in moving her shop inventory online quickly and professionally.

“I could make the sun shine from pure desire” –  Steve Winwood, 1986 in “Higher Love”
 
If there were ever two young entrepreneurs that could make the sun shine from pure desire, I think I may have met them.  The lyric from the song “Higher Love” epitomizes Kaleigh Ligoci and Lauren Scarpelli.

Justin’s Canine Campus opened in 2014 as the self-funded project of owners Justin Bonn and Carrie Lindley. While the pet industry has been experiencing explosive growth, Justin and Carrie are specializing their services to meet all their client’s needs. Ten businesses in their marketing area may offer similar services, but they are one of only two that provide daycare, training, and grooming services.

Justin and Carrie knew they had what it would take to start-up and run successful business in the pet industry because they had extensive firsthand experience and knowledge.

The ABC’s of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a labor of love for Karyn Burns-Gerling; a mother of three, incredibly hard working, and an inspiration to all who meet her. She began working on this business venture when she was expecting her children.  Burns-Gerling would make posters called the ABC’s of wherever she imagined they would one day visit (the ABC’s of Cape Cod or the ABC’s of Nantucket).
 
Years later, when she went through her divorce, she decided it was time to sell these posters.

The story of the salt industry in Syracuse is the stuff of legend and a tale of the early development of the city. In the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s Syracuse produced more salt than any other place in the United States, rightfully earning the name: The Salt City.

Now in the 21st Century a father and daughter team is endeavoring to return that claim to fame to Syracuse.  David Iannicello and Libby Croom are the owners of Syracuse Salt Co., a company that inherited its name from one of the last salt producers in Syracuse over 100 years ago.

The community of Clinton, NY has been the home of Tom’s Natural Foods (originally known as Whole Earth Natural Foods) at 16 College Street for almost 50 years. 

Any business with such a long run of success is undoubtedly going to reach a time for succession, where the owner(s) are ready for retirement, undoubtedly wanting their life’s work and legacy to continue.  In stepped Jason Townsend (Professor of environmental science at Hamilton College), Nancy Morelle (Co-owner of Old Path Farm and part-time employee at Tom’s) and Andrew Sblendorio, who contacted the Onondaga SBDC for assistance in navigating the purchase.