New York SBDC

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

10 full-time jobs created.

After working with the Mid-Hudson/Catskills Small Business Development Center on planning, location, and financing preparation, owner Beth George opened Bagel-ish on Main Street in Beacon, creating 10 full-time jobs.

Beth brought years of experience in the bagel industry to the new retail bakery and sandwich shop, adding a new small business to Beacon's Main Street.

10/14/2026

From Side Venture to Full-Time Craftsmanship

Craig Vollmer started The 1812 Shoppe in 2021 as a part-time woodworking business. Drawing on his background in forestry and knowledge of northeastern woods, he creates handcrafted pieces, from jewelry boxes and Bluetooth speakers to custom tables and cabinets. As the business grew, Craig moved into full-time entrepreneurship.

Craig has worked with the SBDC throughout different stages of that journey, first while launching the business in Chautauqua County and later with the North Central SBDC after relocating to Marathon. Along the way, he has used advising and research support to develop his business plan, build and improve his website, strengthen his marketing, and refine his overall business strategy.

Today, The 1812 Shoppe continues to create custom wood products for customers near and far, combining Craig's forestry experience with a focus on quality craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind work.

10/13/2026

Did you know? 47% of small and midsize businesses updated their cybersecurity solutions in the past year.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to start with a major overhaul. Small, practical steps can help strengthen your business and build better habits over time.

The U.S. Small Business Administration put together a guide to help entrepreneurs strengthen their defenses against cyber threats, with practical tips and resources for protecting their businesses.

Learn more:
sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/strengthen-your-cybersecurity

Source: Verizon Business, 2025 State of Small Business Survey

10/12/2026

Manufacturing Comes in All Sizes

We caught up with Louis Scamardella, Regional Director of the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC, at America's SBDC’s recent Annual Training.

He reminded us that manufacturing comes in all sizes, from small makers and specialty producers to larger operations, and that these businesses play an important role in the communities they serve.

Hear Louis share a few examples of the manufacturers the NYSBDC works with and why their impact goes beyond what they make.

10/09/2026

🥊 Building strength and community: celebrating BushBox NYC, 2026 City Catalyst of the Year

Our Annual Client Awards Roadshow recently stopped in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where we celebrated Roderick Soto and BushBox NYC's growth. Fittingly, much of the celebration happened ringside, with our State Director even stepping in with gloves for a quick training moment with Roderick.

Roderick began providing one-on-one fitness and boxing training in 2021 with a vision for a place where people could improve their physical health, build confidence and discipline, and feel connected to a community. As the business grew, BushBox outgrew its original space, and Roderick began looking for a larger location that could support its next chapter.

When an initial financing path didn’t work out, Roderick connected with Business Advisor Greg Callender and the Manhattan–Pace SBDC. Greg worked closely with Roderick and client-turned-Operations Manager Leela Rao to strengthen the business narrative and financial projections, refine the loan package, and explore other lending options. That work ultimately helped BushBox secure six-figure financing from M&T Bank for its expanded Bushwick location.

Our State Director Sonya Smith, who presented the award, shared, “We created this award to recognize a business that is doing more than growing. A city catalyst activates its community, creates new opportunities, and demonstrates how a strong local business can contribute to the energy and vitality of an entire neighborhood. BushBox NYC is a wonderful example of that impact.”

Today, BushBox NYC is continuing to build on that growth from its expanded location, strengthening its neighborhood presence while creating a space centered on fitness, confidence, discipline, and community.

Greg and members of the Manhattan–Pace SBDC team were there to celebrate Roderick, Leela, and this achievement. The celebration also brought together representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Brooklyn Community Board 4, M&T Bank, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and the broader BushBox community.

Congratulations again to Roderick Soto, Leela Rao, the BushBox NYC team, Greg Callender, and the Manhattan–Pace SBDC on this well-deserved recognition!

10/08/2026

Here’s something to get the wheels turning on succession planning: over half of U.S. employer firms are owned by people age 55 or older.

So what comes next for the business you’ve spent years building and the people who work there?

It might mean passing the business to a family member, transitioning ownership to employees, bringing in new leadership, or finding the right outside buyer.

There isn’t one path forward. Sometimes the first step is simply knowing your options.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Annual Business Survey, reflecting 2023 data, as analyzed by LendingTree.

10/07/2026

From Online Shop to Main Street Storefront

Carrie and Levi Swanson started Sweeterson Farms in 2023 as an online kitchen boutique, bringing together their family roots and a shared love of practical, thoughtfully selected products for the home. As the business grew, they expanded into pop-ups and vendor events, building customer relationships, testing products, and refining the brand along the way.

As Carrie and Levi began looking for a permanent location, they worked with Business Advisor Brian Rovegno at the Southwest Region Small Business Development Center on planning, market research, site evaluation, and preparation for the next stage of the business. In November 2025, they found a storefront in downtown Clymer and spent the following months preparing the space before opening their first brick-and-mortar location in May 2026.

Today, Sweeterson Farms continues to serve customers both online and in person, offering cookware, cutlery, entertaining essentials, and other kitchen goods from its Clymer storefront.