Success Stories

SBA resource partners credited for start-up assistance and guidance

BUFFALO, NY – “My business is all about empowering women, “ she says. “Our spa services help women to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Spa time improves the quality of life for women. I like to say, it makes them feel – Fierce and Fabulous!”

That was the thinking when Kirsten DiCarlo opened FabUBus Mobile Spa in 2016. After attending a vision board workshop, Kirsten was able to visualize her dream of helping women while reflecting on her individual goals. She envisioned her concept of converting a motorhome into a traveling spa and the perfect career.

“I had a mission in life to help other women,” said Kirsten. “I wanted to help them realize that taking time for themselves is not only ok, it is necessary to recharge!”

At the same time, Kirsten reached out to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s resource partner SCORE Buffalo Niagara.

As a resource partner of the U.S. SBA, SCORE... Read More

Photo of Alisha in her store, Janie's Emporium

Janie’s Emporium named after grand-mother who was pioneer

BUFFALO, NY – Start-up owner and fashion curator  Alisha Taggart-Powell always knew she wanted to settle down and start her own business, but was constantly occupied with other projects and working a full-time job. 

“Starting a boutique has been on my mind since I was a little girl,” says Alisha.  “My grand-mother started several businesses and was a pioneer who started all on her own.” 

With a diverse educational background, Alisha had the will all to get started but knew she needed additional assistance in business planning, building contacts and finding resources to help her business grow.

And so, when it came to start-up assistance, Alisha had to seek help.  She found it at the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE Buffalo Niagara’s Annual Straight Talk conference where the contacts and resources she received helped her to successfully launch, Janie’s Emporium... Read More

SBA resources aid service-disabled veteran in launching his own business

BUFFALO, NY – Global Enterprises Inc.; was founded in 2013 by Al Urban, a service-disabled veteran of the United States Army.  By 2015, Urban became certified to do business with the U.S. government and officially launched his business in 2017. 

Now on his way to owning a profitable construction company, Urban found himself seeking aid in future business planning, contracting and market research.  Thus, he reached out to the U.S. Small Business Administration where he received SCORE mentoring, contracting assistance and business planning tools to further his business success.

“Not only did SBA’s resources help me with obtaining my service-disabled veteran-owned small business certification and navigating through government contracting, but they also provided me with a personal SCORE mentor that helped me to strategize and grow my business,” said Urban.

... Read More

Happy Coincidence Gives Wojtek’s Gymnastics a Boost

SBA loan provides financing for expansion/equipment

BUFFALO, NY – Wojtek Kruszewski is a successful gym owner and instructor thanks to a competitive spirit and gymnastics.  At age 26 he moved to the United States from Poland.  He maintained several jobs and was coaching a boys and girls team for over 15 years when he decided to leave and start up his own business, Wojtek’s Gymnastics.

Located in Lancaster, New York, Wojtek’s Gymnastics has been teaching kids and students how to perform gymnastics and tumbling since 2013.  He also helps cheerleaders and dancers improve and master acrobatic skills.  Wojtek’s coaching skills stem from his membership on the Polish Junior and Senior National Team.  He was also the Polish all-around champion from 1978 to 1979.

Passionate about his clients and the desire to expand, Wojtek contacted the Small Business Development Center at Buffalo State College and found Andrea Lizak, Small Business Advisor.  Wojtek continued to meet... Read More

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