Success Stories

American manufacturing is on the rise in Braintree, Massachusetts.  According to the National Association of Manufacturers – total output from Massachusetts manufacturing showed a steady increase from 2009, reaching $48.75 billion in 2016.[1]  Commercial real estate loans from the SBA are fueling this trend by providing small business owners like Greg Acerra with tools to grow locally and scale operations nationally.

Fireking Baking Company has been an innovator in the baking industry and a leading manufacturer of European-style artisan breads since 1995.  Baking high-quality, all-natural products for restaurants and retail grocery stores – Fireking has been rapidly expanding through the development of a national distribution network and by utilizing state-of-the-art equipment that fulfills large orders with short turnaround time.

Before starting Fireking Baking Company, Founder Greg Acerra worked his way up in the food service industry, opening several... Read More

Veterans represent a vital part of our nation’s population, workforce and business community.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2012 Survey of Business Owners (SBO) – veteran business owners represented an estimated 9.1% of all business owners (2.52 million) with an annual payroll of $195 billion and receipts of $1.14 trillion[1].  Another study conducted by the International Franchise Association cited that one out of every seven franchise businesses are owned and operated by veterans.[2]

Veterans such as Dave Adams are part of an increasing trend of military personnel who are returning home and transitioning back to civilian life with business ownership. 

 

SBA Lending Supports Rapid Expansion
A Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Dave Adams finished his service after nearly a decade as a commissioned officer, both as a leadership instructor and an assault amphibian platoon commander.  After rejoining civilian life, Dave’s entrepreneurial... Read More

Tucked away in historic Rehoboth, Massachusetts is the Gilded Tomato Company. 

What started out as a mobile craft pizza truck – has developed into a community social enterprise, a farm-to-table catering experience and expanding strategically into a year-round business.

The idea came about after Gilded Tomato Company CEO Julia Sweet began attending various baking conferences and learned about wood-fired artisan bread-baking with her husband.

From her home and farm in Rehoboth, Sweet grows and harvests seasonal produce, herbs, berries, fruit, and honey for Gilded Tomato pizza creations that are served at special events all across New England.

A Unique Business Model
When Gilded Tomato launched at the height of the food truck craze, it began as a novel idea – Sweet began selling artisan pizzas at local farmer’s markets, festivals, and other catered events.  

Sweet took a chance on creating a healthier approach to cooking arguably America... Read More

Microloan from EDIC of Lynn, Part of a Financing Strategy that Launched Luna Sweets 

Over the past 5 years (FY13-FY18) Massachusetts has continually ranked as a top office out of 68 SBA district offices across the United States for small loans under $50,000.  This key indicator, along with other lending data tells us that women, low-income, veteran, and minority entrepreneurs are actively launching small businesses in the Commonwealth – borrowing on average, about $13K to get started.   

Entrepreneurs like Patty Francis, Owner of Luna Sweets are ditching the corporate world for a chance to go after their dream of business ownership.  As a retail banker for years, Francis saved up the seed capital she needed while starting the business on the side. 

When she felt ready, she sought out assistance and uncovered a wealth of resources that helped guide her every step of the way.  Francis found out about her local economic development agency and small... Read More

Pages