Ali Lazowski Builds a Business in Connecticut

December 16 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, Hartford, small business, woman-owned business

"I’m grateful that I love what I do and I’m excited for what’s next," says Bare Life Founder Ali Lazowski.

Connecticut native Ali Lazowski went to school in Baltimore and then lived in New York City for several years while battling several chronic illnesses. During that time, she learned two vital things about herself: She wanted to create an allergen-free food product and she wanted to create a company to produce that product in Connecticut.

Ali connected with MetroHartford Alliance Content Manager Nan Price in early 2018, when she was participating in the reSET Accelerator (read: Food and Beverage Startup for Healthy Eating). Since then, she’s taken her company to new levels here in the Hartford Region.

NAN PRICE: Why was it that you wanted to launch your company here in Connecticut?

ALI LAZOWSKI: I wanted to be back in the Hartford Region because my entire family is here. I know the community too, so I thought it would be easier to start here. I didn’t even realize how much support I would receive from the community. It’s been incredible. Hartford is the right place to launch a startup.

NAN: Tell us about the starting out process.

ALI: The idea came from a need for me to satisfy my sweet tooth and be able to enjoy something that didn’t contain allergens, which were contributing to my illnesses. I also wanted something portable, because I was spending a lot of time in doctors’ waiting rooms.

I started making a hot cocoa mixture in my kitchen and brought samples to many friends and other chronic illness sufferers. I spent months refining the recipe. Everyone was really encouraging, telling me the cocoa mixture was so good I should sell it. I talked to my parents about the idea of starting a business and they agreed, saying this would be a great thing for me. My whole family was supportive. So, in 2018 I took the leap. Soon after I made that decision, I connected with reSET and Bare Life took off from there.

NAN PRICE: How your company has evolved since?

ALI LAZOWSKI: When we last talked, I was in the Impact Accelerator. I had a recipe, but I didn’t even have a product. I knew I needed a facility and a kitchen to make the product. Since then, I’ve found office space, created the product, and found a co-packager. The Bare Life hot cocoa product is in 14 stores throughout Connecticut and selling on our website. I still can’t believe it. It’s been an amazing experience.

NAN: How did you learn the next steps, like how to find a distributor?

ALI: reSET has been amazingly supportive—not just during the accelerator, but afterward with opportunities for the networking and getting to know the community and availability to answer questions.

Also, through reSET I met Denise Whitford from the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), who became my advisor. We meet monthly and she helps me keep on track with what I’m working on now and what I need to be thinking about for the future of the company. It’s a huge benefit because, as an entrepreneur, I’m always thinking of new ideas and things I want to do and directions I want to go. Having a business advisor helps me stay focused.

I utilize a lot of the local business resources. I’ve made impactful connections, so I can reach out and see what other companies have done, get advice, and emulate them. It’s been great to have that support system and mentorship.

NAN: What’s next for Bare Life?

ALI: I want to maximize what I can do with the hot cocoa because I think it’s such a versatile product. I’m working on additional flavors and our website has a bunch of recipes for muffins and smoothies using the hot cocoa mix.

We recently redid our packaging to provide single-serving packets with a material that’s actually more sustainable than the individual glass mugs we started out with. Also, the new packaging has enabled us to offer bulk packaging for coffee shops, restaurants, and school cafeterias. I’m really excited about growing the channels and looking at different opportunities for distribution I hadn’t thought of before—again, that’s where mentorship and having a great community helps with that kind of feedback and suggestions.

The part that keeps me up at night is thinking about the next step, which could be a baking mix or protein powder. I want to stay in dry foods for a while, though. Eventually, creating clean, delicious, convenient prepared meals would be the dream.

I always say this is just the bare beginning! I’m grateful that I love what I do and I’m excited for what’s next.

Learn more about Bare Life
www.eatbarelife.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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CT-Based Woman-Minority Owned Small Tax Firm

October 18 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Women In Business 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, minority-owned business, small business, woman-owned business

Whitehead Tax and Financial Services LLC founder Amber Whitehead. (Photo credit: Iver Gabourel - P1 Vision)

During National Women's Small Business Month, MetroHartford Alliance Content Manager Nan Price spoke with Whitehead Tax and Financial Services LLC founder Amber Whitehead about her entrepreneurial experience.

NAN PRICE: When and why did you open your business?

AMBER WHITEHEAD: I started my business in April 2012. I never knew I would start a business because I was determined to be a partner at large Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm. It wasn’t until I was unemployed for 2.5 years that I realized I needed to be in control of my career. I had been doing friends’ and family taxes on the side, so I decided to make it legitimate and grow from there while I let my full-time job fund my passion.

NAN: How are you marketing and building a customer base?

AMBER: Since opening, I have only grown organically through word-of-mouth and referrals. This year will be the first year I’m paying for marketing and stepping out of my comfort zone by presenting my first tax seminar Got Deductions? on November 2 at Salons by JC in West Hartford.

NAN: What does it take to be an entrepreneur?

AMBER: It takes a lot of faith! You have to know without a doubt you have a gift and you need to carry it out despite the rejections, failures, and financial burden. Besides having faith, it’s key to be disciplined—especially for me because I still work my full-time job as an accountant at the University of Connecticut and I'm running this tax business while parenting a sweet 11-year old daughter. Being disciplined means you have to sacrifice a lot. You may have to wake up an hour earlier, slow down on your social and family life, and adjust your budget.

NAN: How has your background helped you to launch your startup?

AMBER: I am self-taught when it comes to taxes. Since the age of 16 I have always prepared my own taxes and helped my friends too. Getting my Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration prepared me to understand complex concepts and business standards. Working at CPA firms and commercial tax offices reinforced my tax knowledge and enabled me to feel comfortable enough to say: I can do this!

NAN: You’ve been in business more than seven years. What’s the biggest takeaway you’ve learned from your startup experience?

AMBER: Pricing! When I first started out, knowing I wasn’t a “household name,” I priced my rates very low just to get clients. It worked, but I ended up being overwhelmed—and undervalued. If I could go back, I would change my rates to reflect my worth and value.

NAN: Any advice for entrepreneurs or startup business owners?

AMBER: It ties into my challenge: Know your worth. Don’t settle on your rates just to get that extra boost of clients. At the end of the day, if you’re providing value and have a great service/product people will pay what it is worth. Stay focused and persevere through all trials and tribulations that will come your way. Lastly, be comfortable with being uncomfortable, because your comfort zone is your broke zone.

Learn more about Whitehead Tax and Financial Services LLC

VISIT: www.wtfsllc.com
FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram

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Considerations Before Taking Out a Small Business Loan

October 17 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Resources 0 comments Tags: business growth, business resources, small business, small business resources

Small businesses now have an easier time getting financing than they ever did in the past. This is in large part due to the array of alternative lending options—such as Funding Circle—that are now available . While this has helped to make loans more available, it has also made it a little more difficult for small business owners to figure out which lending option is right for their needs.

Finding the right loan should be a high priority when a business needs to borrow. Different lending products have different costs, and some are designed to meet different financial needs. If you select the wrong type of loan, it could increase the costs you pay, or you might take a loan that does not work well for your business needs.

If you’re getting ready to take out a business loan, the following questions can help you determine the type of lending product that will work best for your business.

IS IT A SHORT-TERM OR LONG-TERM NEED?

It’s good to start with how long you will need the funding because this can help you to determine whether you need a long-term or short-term loan. If you know you need more time to pay the loan back, you would want to go with a long-term loan; if you just need the money for a few months, you would be better off going with a short-term loan.

It’s important to note that short-term loans usually have a higher interest rate. However, this is still the better option when your financing needs are short-term. Even with the lower interest rate, long-term loans usually cost more to service because the interest accrues over the longer life of the loan.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED?

Many business owners try to borrow as much as they can. Instead, you should have a set amount you are looking to borrow. Figure out how much you need to meet your needs and don’t borrow beyond that amount. Every dollar must be paid back with interest, so if you borrow more than you need, you are increasing the cost of the loan.

Knowing how much you need can also help you find the right lending product. If the amount is high, going to a bank might be the best option. That said, if you need a small loan, banks might not be interested in lending to you. For smaller loans, you might be better off looking into microloans or finding some other alternative lending solution.

WHAT IS THE STATE OF YOUR CREDIT PROFILE?

Having a perfect credit profile may not guarantee you the pick of whichever loan you may want, but it is important. Lenders are going to consider your business credit profile and your personal credit score, and both can help to determine which financing options will be available.

Before applying for a loan, you should run a credit check on your business and check your personal credit score. If you haven’t been working to maintain your credit score, you should start. Your credit score is an important factor when it comes to the cost and availability of loans.

CAN YOU WAIT FOR THE FUNDS?

Getting a loan from a bank takes time. You have to fill out applications, go to meetings, and wait for approval. In many cases, this might not be an issue. However, if your funding needs are urgent, you might not have time to wait for a bank.

Fortunately, there are alternative lenders that specialize in loans that require a quick approval process. They usually charge more, but if you need the money fast, it might be worth the extra cost.

These questions will help you to assess your needs and find the right lending option. Once you understand your needs, try to find several lenders that meet your requirements and then compare the loans they offer.

About the Author
Rae Steinbach is a freelance editor for Funding Circle.

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Meet Hartford Native and Entrepreneur Natasha Harris

October 09 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Women In Business 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, Hartford, small business, woman-owned business

NaBii Organics Founder Natasha Harris visits Elizabeth Park in Hartford. (Photo credit: Lee-Ann Moore)

Hartford native Natasha Harris is studying for her doctorate in business psychology, running her startup NaBii Organics, and in the process of becoming a business consultant. Although she spent some time working in Korea, she returned to Hartford, where her roots are, to start a family and launch her business. Natasha spoke with MetroHartford Alliance Content Manager Nan Price about her Connecticut journey.

NAN PRICE: Have you always been entrepreneurial?

NATASHA HARRIS: Yes. I’ve always wanted to own my own business and have the flexibility that comes along with business ownership.

I think the way I lead, people tend to think I should have my own business. It’s not that I’m harsh as a leader, but I’m consistently learning and teaching along the way. When I worked in the nonprofit industry, I was always asked when I was going to open my own nonprofit. I knew if I opened something it would be for-profit with a philanthropic piece to it.

NAN: You launched NaBii Organics in 2018. Tell us about the startup process. Did you utilize any Connecticut business resources?

NATASHA: I had the idea back in 2015, when I was creating gifts for my baby shower. I started making products for coworkers and they got really excited about them. Everyone was encouraging me to start a business and sell the products. It was my husband who went ahead and registered the LLC and bought the domain name, which pushed me to get serious about starting the company.

As far as resources, I’m working with Entrepreneurial Center and Women’s Business Center at the University of Hartford to plan how I want to transition into having two separate businesses. NaBii is focused on health and wellness, but the other piece I’m really interested in is business psychology. I want to become a business consultant to help other people navigate the process of assessing where they are now, where they want to be, and how they’re going to get there.

NAN: That’s cool because you can use NaBii as a case study.

NATASHA: Exactly! And it’s been interesting because the focus of my dissertation is: How people use digital marketing to enhance their company or to attract consumers and if whether it’s working.

NAN: How have you been marketing and building clientele?

NATASHA: Well, I knew I needed help with social media, so I brought in my sister, who is getting her degree in digital marketing. She’s doing all the marketing, from email to social media.

As far as other marketing efforts, I’m also attending vending events throughout Connecticut. On a larger scale, I started looking into blip boards, which are rotating billboards where you can set your own budget and determine the time of your “blip.”

And, in addition to the NaBii website, I also have an Etsy website that reaches different consumers. For some reason, most of my Esty customers are from California. Possibly because they’re really focused on health and wellness out there.

NAN: You have a breadth of experience. You have a Master’s in International Relations, you’ve been an ESL instructor in Korea, and you’ve worked with several nonprofits here in Hartford. How does your experience factor into what you’re doing now?

NATASHA: Everything I’ve done has been related to business in some way, whether it’s communication, problem-solving, building an actual business, or studying about how businesses work.

I’m currently working toward my doctorate in business psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The idea to have a business consultancy grew from my interest in quality assurance, which is what I did prior to starting my own business. With quality assurance, you’re essentially analyzing your organization to a certain set of standards or guidelines to determine if you’re in compliance and whether you’re marketing properly.

I really enjoy learning those aspects of business that make you look at where you’re doing well and where you need improvement. It’s helped me in my own business, because I’ve been able to set guidelines or standards I want to adhere to, apply them to the business, and look at the areas I still need to focus on and improve on.

Learn more about NaBii Organics

VISIT: www.nabiiorganics.com
FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter

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Why Patents Matter to Small Businesses and Startups

August 01 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Resources 0 comments Tags: business advice, how to start a business, patents, small business, small business resources

Intellectual property (IP) law is a huge part of any business, whether you’re a local startup or an established international company.

That said, elements of IP law like patents are particularly important to those smaller and newer businesses. That’s critical for entrepreneurs to recognize before even getting started.

Whether you are new to IP law or already have a general idea, it’s necessary to look into patents before releasing an invention to market, even if you aren’t yet convinced your idea will be the next iPhone or Tesla.

Here is why patents matter to small businesses and startups, no matter what industry you are in.

WHAT IS A PATENT?

If you’re at the start of your entrepreneurial journey, you may still be a little foggy about what exactly patents are and how they can apply to your business and original invention.

Basically, a patent is the area of IP law that protects inventions. While trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets are also vital for protecting the other unique parts of a business or brand, patents are necessary to protect your core idea.

Upon receiving a patent, you are essentially granted a temporary monopoly. Depending on the patent type, this monopoly can last up to 20 years, giving you sufficient time and opportunity to thrive with your idea before competitors can dive in and imitate the idea.

Depending on the type of invention you have, there are also many different types of patents with different requirements. For instance, a design patent will cover the appearance of an invention (something important for things with a unique ornamental design) while utility patents cover the function (some inventors will want both for the same invention).

To ensure you’re clear on the details for your specific situation (whether you qualify for a patent, what patent type you should apply for, etc.), have a conversation with a patent attorney in your area. Many offer free consultations to help give you a general idea of where you stand and whether they would be a good fit to help you with the rest of the process.

WHY PATENTS MATTER

As mentioned, having exclusive rights to a new invention will help you establish yourself, your brand, and your product before you’re under pressure from other businesses that want to compete.

Because of this aggression in the market, lack of patent protection can make it very easy to be drowned out by competition that finds a way to sell your invention for a lower cost, provide it on a larger scale, or simply cut into your client base.

No matter what industry your idea falls into, this can be devastating and unfair, especially when so much work and creativity can go into a single idea.

On a larger scale, patents promote innovation since there is an incentive to come out with cutting-edge ideas and come out with them first. Without patents, many entrepreneurs can easily feel discouraged and the market will be dominated by big players with decades of experience and recognition.

Patents benefit both the seller and the consumer by protecting an inventor’s unique ideas while continuing to reward innovation that will improve the consumer experience.

IMPORTANCE TO SMALLER VENTURES

All that said, there is a specific degree of importance when it comes to startups, small businesses, and young, new entrepreneurs.

As mentioned, an idea without a patent can benefit the bigger, more experienced businesses since there’s nothing preventing them from copying an idea and using their influence, resources, and power to sell it on massive scales for low prices that startups won’t be able to compete with.

J.D. Houvener, a New York patent attorney, has a special attachment to new, upstarting entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, and they are what helps to keep dreams alive! Independent, budding entrepreneurs represent a larger idea of innovation and success that is attainable for anyone with the talent and drive to achieve it,” he says. “That’s why I find it especially vital for small businesses and new entrepreneurs to obtain patenting rights; they deserve a chance to compete in an aggressive market and keep that dream alive.”

Even if patents seem financially unattainable for smaller ventures, it’s important to find a way to make them happen before bringing an idea to market.

PROTECT WITH A PATENT

Patents can protect so many different types of inventions, including apps, devices, recipes—and even plants.

No matter which categories your inventions fall under, it is important to ensure you protect them with a patent before bringing them to market. It’s astonishing how competitive and aggressive the market can be, and small businesses specifically need all the protection they can get to ensure they aren’t taken advantage of and driven out of the market.

About the Author
Freelance writer, editor, and social media strategist Katherine (Tori) Lutz is Content Manager at Student Tutor.

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Small Business Spotlight: Sweet Equations

July 17 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Women In Business 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, Greater Hartford, small business, startup, woman-owned business

Sweet Equations Owner Sade Owoye recently shared her experience as a Greater Hartford small business owner.

When and why did you start your business?

SADE OWOYE: I started my business in 2014. I am obsessed with candy, cakes, and basically all things sweet. One holiday season, I topped a slice of vanilla cake with a few chocolate-coated candies and realized that cake is even better with a touch of candy. My family loved the creation I made.

My brother posted it on his social media, and it took off. I started to receive orders for the cake he posted online. With inspiration and a bit of gusto, I started my business of designing delicious and decadent cakes topped with classic candies. I am a firm believer that cakes and dessert should be fun and comprised of the sweets that bring you joy!

How did you get the background and skills necessary to run this type of business?

SADE: I took cake decorating classes in my free time. I watched videos on how to make frosting and bake cakes. I also practiced a lot on my own.

For running the business, I took MBA classes at a local university as well as classes online about the fundamentals of business. I enjoy business and learning about all aspects of it.

How did you decide on the location for your business? Tell us about the neighborhood and what makes it unique.

SADE: The Hartford area has so much to offer the people living and working in the community. I saw there was an opportunity to open a specialty dessert shop in Farmington, as there was not one in the area, especially a store that specializes in candy cakes and provides cake decorating classes.

Hartford is a great community. Its residents and people who work in area are supportive. I received an outpouring of support and well wishes when I opened the first Sweet Equations retail location in 2018.

What is the best thing about living/working in Greater Hartford?

SADE: There are many great things to do in the area, and you don’t have to travel far to do them! There are beautiful parks and trails, delicious restaurants, fun festivals and concerts, professional groups, outdoor activities, and baseball games—and my list could go on and on.

How are you marketing and building a successful customer base?

SADE: I’m building a base by always putting our customers first and listening to what they want. At Sweet Equations, we’re always looking for feedback from our customers and we take action on the feedback we receive. We work to implement it into the business. We will change or pivot the business to collectively better serve our customers.

What key elements are necessary to start and run a successful business in Hartford?

SADE: I believe some key elements include:

Having an understanding of the fundamentals of operating a business
Being active in the Hartford community and having a support system
Leveraging digital as well as other platforms to market, promote, and generate awareness about your business in the community

Where do you see Hartford in the three to five years? And where do you see your role in the city’s progress?

SADE: I see Hartford as the economic engine of the state with more businesses and people moving back into the area in the next few years. As a business owner, my goal is to grow my business, which I believe could help the city’s progress. I hope to bring more jobs and opportunity to the Hartford area as Sweet Equations matures as a company.

Find out more about Sweet Equations

VISIT: www.sweetequations.com
FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Hartford Startup Aims to Help Retailers Grow Online

July 10 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: business consulting, entrepreneur, Hartford, small business, startup

“Hartford is a great city to house an eCommerce consulting firm like Plura Interactive,” says Founder Timothy Paskowski.

Plura Interactive Founder Timothy Paskowski spoke with Innovation Destination Hartford Website Curator Nan Price about his startup’s mission to help other companies do well—and do good.

NAN PRICE: Tell us about your business concept.

TIMOTHY PASKOWSKI: The concept is simple: We aim to help small- to medium-sized online stores realize their potential. We do this by bringing downmarket many of the technologies and practices used in large-scale operations, such as data science and digital marketing.

The premise is that our clients already have great products—they simply need the right tactics and tools to really bring them to market.

NAN: Have you had to pivot along the way as you were starting out?

TIMOTHY: At first, I knew we had great talent and experience, but I wasn’t sure how to best package everything into a solution that could deliver true value. I focused a lot on what each of our five business practices would do, but not who would benefit most from these services.

The broad-market approach failed to result in a value proposition we were comfortable with, so we went back to the drawing board and focused instead on the client. It wasn’t until we put our services in the context of their needs that we could construct an offering we were confident would deliver meaningful value.

NAN: How has your experience helped you in your entrepreneurial journey? What have you learned along the way?

TIMOTHY: Our company is new, but even early in the process I learned how important it is for entrepreneurs to remain both flexible and positive.

NAN: Who is your target market and how are you reaching that market?

TIMOTHY: We think we can best help brands that generate between $2 to $15 million in direct-to-consumer online sales. These companies might have a little seed capital but are often in a pre-fund situation where it’s important to be efficient up and down the value chain. It’s a large and naturally underserved market because most high-end consulting firms and digital agencies are too cost-prohibitive to consider.

To reach this market, we try to create useful content in a variety of different mediums. For example, we publish a monthly podcast called the PluraCast that features guests from all over the world who talk about marketing, advertising, and eCommerce. Aside from that, we also have entrepreneurial spotlights called Plura Presents, where we share stories from peer brands, and a vlog series called Driving Commerce, which has turned my car into a studio of sorts. The goal is to provide thought leadership in unique and informative ways.

NAN: What has been the biggest startup challenge?

TIMOTHY: It’s really important to me that Plura Interactive—no matter how big it gets—remains a value-driven business that creates a material positive impact on its customers, society, and the environment. It’s even written into our bylaws. With that in mind, the most critical and therefore challenging aspect of my job as Founder is orienting the team around our values to ensure that everything we do is in service or respect of the mission.

NAN: Why did you choose to locate the company here in Hartford?

TIMOTHY: Hartford is a great city to house an eCommerce consulting firm like Plura Interactive. Its proximity to both New York and Boston makes for efficient trips to the many clients and partners based in either of those cities, and local universities like Yale provide a world-class forum for thought leadership and networking.

vNAN: What’s next?

TIMOTHY: One of the things I’m most proud of is our work toward Pending Certified B Corporation status. It means a lot to me to join a community of people focused on using business as a force for good.

Aside from that, I’ve been working hard on developing partnerships with the other agencies and vendors our clients already use. For the longer-term, we’re also considering ways to capture the spirit of our mission and translate that into self-service tools that have the potential for wide-scale adoption.

Learn more about Plura Interactive

VISIT: www.plurainteractive.com
FOLLOW: LinkedIn | Twitter

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West Hartford-Based Small Business Heir Cash Now

July 05 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, Hartford area, small business, West Hartford

“The challenge is growing the business and reaching new clients in a rapidly changing landscape,” says Heir Cash Now, LLC Manager Matthew Lakenbach, pictured with Legal and Marketing Assistant Monia Zgarni and Minnie the cat.

Matthew Lakenbach, Manager of Heir Cash Now, LLC, spoke to Innovation Destination Hartford about his experience transitioning out of the nonprofit world and launching a new business.

INNOVATION DESTINATION HARTFORD: When and how did the business launch?

MATTHEW LAKENBACH: My co-founder Chris Visher and I launched the business in 2017. He’s been in the inheritance advance industry for three decades. Chris was looking for a partner to start a new business and we decided to make a go of it.

IDH: Tell us a little about the services Heir Cash Now provides.

MATT: We advance money to heirs who are waiting for their inheritance, but they can’t access it because it’s held up in probate court. Typically, receiving an inheritance takes at least six months and can easily run to a year or more. Many heirs go through a very stressful time in which they not only lose a loved one but have to deal with financial uncertainty as well.

We help them out by advancing a portion of their inheritance right away, making a challenging time easier. An inheritance advance is actually a purchase in which the heir sells us a fixed dollar amount of their future expected inheritance in exchange for an immediate cash payment.

IDH: What’s the biggest challenge your company has faced as a startup?

MATT: Finding customers and staying ahead of the curve are critical. We were fortunate to start getting clients soon after launch. The challenge is growing the business and reaching new clients in a rapidly changing landscape. The internet has become a living, breathing thing, and we are creating content to expand our presence on the web and make it easier for people to find us.

I’ve also learned the importance of working with partners. I don’t have to be an expert at everything. By networking and building relationships with people in different fields, it’s possible to exchange knowledge without spending a fortune.

IDH: How has your background prepared you for your role as a business owner?

MATT: As it turned out, through my nonprofit background I’d acquired many skills I was able to transfer over to the new business. Everything I had done before came together in an unpredictable way.

After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, I began my career as a writer and editor. My first job was at mysportsguru.com, a Fairfield, CT-based web startup. After that, I moved to Salt Lake City for an opportunity to work in the creative department of the Organizing Committee for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

While in Utah, I did a program called the Landmark Forum that’s about living a life of freedom and full self-expression. I discovered a passion for making the world a peaceful place. After the Olympics, I applied for graduate programs and made my way to Washington, DC to do a master’s in International Peace and Conflict Resolution.

After graduating, I started a nonprofit called the Middle East Peace Civic Forum and organized interfaith programs in the DC area. This was a crash course in launching and managing a small organization. Then I joined Legacy International, an organization run by one of my board members, where I managed international exchange programs.

I was responsible for securing fellowship placements in Congressional offices and area nonprofits for international exchange participants and managing the programs. In that role, I was frequently calling or walking in cold to build relationships. That built up my comfort level with people I had never met.

In my current role, I’m frequently interacting with potential clients over the phone. Before I pick up the phone, I remind myself that this is not just a “prospect,” but a person with a unique story who is facing a difficult situation and could use some assistance.

Personally, it’s been an interesting transition from nonprofit to for-profit. Nonprofits are by their nature mission-driven and, in that world, I was motivated by my desire to build relationships across cultures. At Heir Cash Now, I felt it was important to align my personal mission of making a difference with the ultimate goal of any business, which is to earn a profit.

After several years working in nonprofits, doing work that makes a positive impact had become part of my DNA. I discovered I could be successful in business by integrating my commitment to helping people with the importance of the bottom line. After all, the more successful we are, the more people we can help. More and more businesses are discovering that.

It’s been extremely gratifying to hear our clients talk about how they felt known and appreciated during a difficult time, and that we provided them with a high level of service and were legitimately interested in their situation.

IDH: What’s the best thing about working in the Greater Hartford region?

MATT: Hartford is a lot more dynamic than it used to be. Things are happening in the evenings. People are living downtown. Across the area, there’s a lot of innovation in a range of fields. I’d like to see more partnership between business and some of the more underserved neighborhoods of Hartford. We all need to get involved in providing opportunities for everyone in our community. There’s a lot of opportunity out there.

Learn more about Heir Cash Now, LLC

VISIT: www.heircashnow.com
FOLLOW: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

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Greater Hartford Brewery Supports Local Community and Businesses

July 02 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford CT Lifestyle 0 comments Tags: Brewery Legitimus, Connecticut breweries, CT brewery, CT craft beer, small business, startup brewery

Brewery Legitimus and Barden Farm are collaborating for a second year to offer a local Community Supported Agriculture Beer & Cheese (CSABC) share.

Where Are They Now? Update with Brewery Legitimus

Brewery Legitimus Co-Founders Chris and Christina Sayer spoke to Innovation Destination Hartford in January 2017, when they had recently opened their Greater Hartford brewery. (Read the interview: Startup Brewery Adds to New Hartford Community.)

Since then, the brewery has been working to build its clientele and support local businesses. Last year, Brewery Legitimus formed a collaboration with Barden Farm to offer a local Community Supported Agriculture Beer & Cheese (CSABC) share.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

“We’re trying to do as many partnerships with locally owned businesses as we can,” says Brewery Legitimus co-founder Christina Sayer.

“We were members of Barden Farm’s CSA prior to starting this partnership. We thought: Here are two family-owned businesses offering complementary things; wouldn’t other people like to have these things together? That’s how the CSABC was born,” she explains.

The CSABC will be available beginning July 11. Find out more about membership.

Brewery Legitimus is also working with Barden farm to plan a farm to table dinner to wrap up the end of the CSABC season. They brought in New Hartford-based Bridgestreet Libations & Temptations to keep the focus local to New Hartford. Tickets will be available to CSABC members first and then open to the public.

The brewery has collaborated with other local businesses, too, including hosting a beer and grilling dinner with Avon Prime Meats and yoga events with New Hartford-based Lam Yoga.

“These types of events lift up our town,” says Christina. “If we can highlight the businesses in our town while we’re highlighting our own, it works out well for everyone.”

The brewery is also supporting the Greater Hartford community with the launch a new beer release called “Tower for the People.” For every pint sold, $1 will benefit The Friends of Heublein Tower, which helps to maintain and restore the historic landmark in Simsbury.

BUSINESS GROWTH

Brewery Legitimus will soon launch a canning line, which will enable the brewery to sell their beer at local liquor stores and restaurants without draught lines.

“We were able to take advantage of a Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program (MVP) grant, which helped us purchase a portion of this canning line,” explains Christina. “We’re going to start small in our tap room, but we plan to cascade out to retail locations.”

A program of the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund, the MVP program is a partnership of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT).

Brewery Legitimus is also working on a major expansion, adding another 4700 ft.² to their location. The mixed-used space will be available for larger and private events. It will also enable the brewery to do wild fermentations and barrel aging, which requires a lot more production space.

“We live in a great area with tons of nearby activities and supportive local businesses. We’re excited about our growth and proud to become a fixture in New Hartford that’s working to engage other small businesses in our community,” says Christina.

Find out more about Brewery Legitimus

VISIT: www.brewerylegitimus.com
FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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CT Marketing Company Creates Summer Marketing Academy for Girls

June 14 2019 Innovation Destination: Hartford Programs 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, girls, marketing, marketing startup, mentoring, small business, women business owners, women-owned business

New Haven-area middle school girls attended Camp Erio | Marketing Academy for the first time in 2018.

Erica Palmer founded Erio Marketing in June 2014. Last summer, she launched the Camp Erio | Marketing Academy, a free three-day camp for middle school girls interested in learning about marketing and business.

Erica spoke to MetroHartford Alliance Content Manager Nan Price about why she formed the camp and why she’s passionate about encouraging young girls to explore a career in marketing, business, or entrepreneurship.

NAN PRICE: How did you come up with the concept of launching a summer camp?

ERICA PALMER: It was an idea we had couple of years ago. Many of the businesses we work with employ people who have had the opportunity to become entrepreneurs or get their MBAs. We noticed there didn’t seem to be a lot of diversity with regard to women in these roles. We had some local connections to middle schools in the New Haven area, so, we started there.

We launched the camp last year. Just a couple weeks after opening enrollment we were booked, so we knew there was interest. The momentum was exciting. Then, based on last year’s success, we decided to expand further. The camp will be offered for the second year at Digital Surgeons in New Haven and we’ve added two locations reSET in Hartford and the Cardinal Shehan Center in Bridgeport.

NAN: How did you get people involved as instructors, mentors, and sponsors?

ERICA: We had a lot of support from people we work with locally and nationally, current or former clients who thought it was a good idea and were willing to sponsor. To find campers, we did some local press and Facebook ads and got support from a couple of different middle schools.

We held last year’s camp at District, specifically in the Digital Surgeons office. There’s a whole network of people who work there who helped promote the camp to their coworkers on our behalf, so that gained a lot of interest as well.

We also had organic growth from people we’ve worked with. They trust Erio Marketing as a company, so when we told them we were doing this spinoff camp, based on the relationship we already had, they had confidence in us.

NAN: What challenges have you faced rolling out this initiative?

ERICA: There were definitely a lot of questions—especially doing it the first year. We didn’t always have answers to those questions. But we knew what the end goal was hopefully going to look like and we knew our intent, which is reaching girls in middle school who may not otherwise have the opportunity to be exposed to something like this. Once we told people the mission and the goal, people started understanding what we were trying to do and the support has been great.

NAN: In what ways has the camp evolved since last year?

ERICA: The initial goal was to create this marketing academy, which it still is, but a lot of the girls who attended last year were interested in starting their own businesses. Some had already started putting something together or were just interested in doing so. So, focusing on the marketing is really important, but we’ve also added a second layer about entrepreneurship and how to start a business.

A lot of these girls are in grades six to nine. They think they have to wait to start companies. You don’t actually have to wait. You can start now. We explain how to get funding, provide business plan templates, and discuss questions they need to be asking themselves.

The only thing that has evolved is adding the entrepreneurship layer to it. We also do a lot around building self-confidence and how to brand yourself personally and focus on what makes you unique.

NAN: Will Camp Erio always have a focus on girls—and this age range?

ERICA: I actually get that question a lot. Right now, yes. This niche of middle school girls needs this focus. If we were ever going to focus on a younger audience, it would be less about marketing and business and more about public speaking, doing things like using improv to help girls build self-confidence and give them a voice. And, if we were going to go older, high school would probably be the next age group we would focus on using a similar concept of introducing girls to marketing and business before they have to make a career choice or a degree choice.

We always say, you can come to this camp and maybe find out that you don’t even like marketing and business, and that’s perfectly fine as long as you had the opportunity to make that decision for yourself.

NAN: Tell us more about the mentoring the campers receive.

ERICA: Each mentor is assigned a group of five to six girls who they work closely with over the three days. The relationships the girls have built with their mentors really impacted how much they learned at the camp—and how much fun they had.

They don’t realize it, but it’s a unique way for them to start networking. We have many speakers who come in each day to engage with the girls, and all the speakers, mentors, and sponsors are interested in helping the campers and staying connected after the camp is finished, too.

NAN: Camp Erio is creating lifelines for these girls.

ERICA: Yes. Hopefully too, if they are applying to different high schools, or colleges, or jobs in the future, their experience attending this camp is something that will differentiate them from others.

Learn more about becoming a Camp Erio camper, mentor, or sponsor.

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Ali Lazowski Builds a Business in Connecticut