Success Stories

Congratulations to New York SBDC clients Stephen and Maryann Piazza, Owners of Majestic Vending and Services, on winning the 2016 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Small Business Disaster Recovery.

Majestic Vending and Services, Inc. is co-owned by Maryann and Stephen Piazza.  From its humble beginnings as a simple gumball machine at a construction site, the company has grown into a company that serves the NYC area with vending, office coffee, bottled water delivery and safety gear.  One of its subsidiaries brings fresh, high quality ingredients together to use unique raw and organic sweeteners and/or herb savory flavors to glaze or roast nuts for onsite events or shipped direct to the home.  The popcorn is always served hot and fresh on site.

Majestic offers a portable bulk product kiosk that can accommodate patrons of all ages and palates, including gluten and sugar free treats.  Since the company’s inception in 1994, the Piazzas have been long-term clients of the SBDC at the College of Staten Island.  They received an SBA loan to purchase their warehouse.  Maryann also received counseling from the SBDC to obtain her WMBE status with the State, City, and NY/NJ Port Authority.  In addition, the SBDC encouraged her to successfully complete the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program.  Maryann continues to grow and expand Majestic, especially as a New York State/New York City Certified Women’s Business Enterprise.  (more…)

The Small Business Administration has named the Charleston Area Small Business Development Center the 2016 National SBDC Center of Excellence and Innovation, as announced by SBA administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. The award will be presented during ceremonies to be held May 1-2 in honor of National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C.

The Charleston SBDC won the award after being named the South Carolina state winner and the winner for SBA Region IV, which includes South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.

“We are proud to be a vital resource for local small businesses, and we’re humbled to have been recognized on a national level for the success we’ve helped our clients achieve,” said Tom Lauria, who was the area manager from 2007 through 2015. “It’s a testament to the efforts of our team and the passion they show for the work they do that has allowed the center to earn this award.”  (more…)

America’s SBDC is excited to announce that the Charleston Small Business Development Center in South Carolina and three SBDC clients from around the country were acknowledged and awarded at this year’s National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week honors America’s 28 million small businesses and their entrepreneurial, innovative and resilient spirit that serves as the backbone of the American economy.

In making the announcement, SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said: “It is my distinct pleasure and honor to announce the 54 winners from across the U.S. and her territories.  These small business owners represent the best of the best and showcase daily their entrepreneurial spirit and what it takes to be successful in today’s evolving and competitive business environment.”

“Small Business Development Centers don’t just help entrepreneurs and growing businesses — they help create success, they help people realize their dreams. SBDC impact can be seen in the number of businesses starting and growing and creating jobs all across America. National recognition of our clients’ success is just the icing on the cake. At America’s SBDC we are proud to represent a national network that does such great work, and especially proud of all the winners and finalists,” said Charles “Tee” Rowe, America’s SBDC President & CEO.

The national SBDC winner and national SBDC client winners & finalists listed below were invited to a recognition ceremony at the Smithsonian and the Institute of Peace on May 1^st & 2^nd. (more…)

National Small Business Week Celebrates the American Entrepreneurial Spirit
By Maria Contreras-Sweet

What creates two out of three net new American jobs; produces close to half of our nation’s goods and services (nonfarm private GDP); and can be found, coast to coast, in every small town, big city and rural enclave? (more…)

Today is the start of National Small Business Week, an annual occasion created by the President and brought to life by the Small Business Administration. This year, Google is teaming up with communities across the country to celebrate and help local businesses succeed.

In honor of National Small Business Week, we’re sharing five lessons that small businesses can use to achieve success online:

1. Get Found Online

When customers search for you on Google Search or Maps, they rely on accurate business listing information such as your store hours, location, and website. In less than 10 minutes, you can get set up with a free Google listing to ensure your business information is available and up to date.

2. Build a Free Website

Your business website is your front door to the web. Google is offering resources so you can create a custom domain name and develop a simple website for your business – all at no charge for the first year.  Just choose a design and customize it for your business.  (more…)