Flourishing Entrepreneurs: the Inspiring Journey of Britty and Brendan O'Connor

​In 2015, Britty and Brendan O'Connor, originally from Hudson, NY, embarked on a quest for a new place to call home and establish their bakery dreams. Their destination: Hamilton, NY. Little did they know, this decision would mark the beginning of a transformative entrepreneurial journey.

Seeking guidance for their bakery venture, Britty and Brendan reached out to Melissa Davis, an SBDC Advanced Certified Advisor. With Melissa's expertise, they crafted a robust business plan and financial projections, laying the groundwork for their funding quest.

Opting for a bootstrap approach, the O'Connors secured funding through a strategic mix of investments, grants, and crowdfunding efforts. Their perseverance paid off, and in mid-2016, they proudly opened their bakery, creating eleven jobs and making a significant economic impact of over $90,000 on the community.

Undeterred by challenges, Britty and Brendan continued to innovate. In the midst of the pandemic, they launched Martha's on Madison (MOM's), a grocery/tavern concept aimed at fostering community space and diversifying revenue streams. Subsequently, they acquired a local café, rebranding it as Flour and Salt Café to offer an expanded menu focused on bagels, coffee drinks, and more.

Throughout their journey, SBDC remained a steadfast ally, offering crucial support during the pandemic-induced hardships. Counseling on relief programs like EIDL and PPP, as well as assistance with the Madison County Covid Recovery Grant, enabled the businesses to weather the storm, preserve jobs, and thrive.

Beyond business, Britty and Brendan are active community advocates, deeply involved in local organizations and initiatives. Their commitment to fostering a family-like atmosphere in their businesses translates into greater collaboration and employee longevity, contributing to their success.
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Today, Flour and Salt and MOM's stand as pillars of the community, grossing over $1 million in 2023 with a remarkable 9.6% increase in sales. Brendan aptly sums up their journey: "Our experience working with and alongside SBDC advisors has been integral to our growth as a business and our personal growth as business owners. The network of contacts and experiences we were able to tap into made the process of starting and operating businesses less daunting and more exciting. Working with the SBDC and its associated organizations means you have someone in your corner who can help you find creative solutions to difficult problems, develop real plans with financially secure paths, and scaffold educational opportunities to prepare you for success."