Microloans are ideal for small food businesses, especially start-ups. In the case of Olive & Henry, a microloan from CIC was used to launch the brick and mortar shop that serves as host to an ahhhhmazing list of fine foods, cheeses, baked goods, jams, and more. (Are you hungry yet?!) Olive & Henry will be […]

Mystic Chocolate is a food business that just happens to specialize in confections. The owners, Bill and Casey Gash, combined their creative passions with a microloan from CIC, and they took Mystic Chocolate from the world of traveling farmers’ markets, to a brick & mortar shop in dowtown Mystic. Businesses come and go. How on […]

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell who has the advantage in small business lending. In this case, we think the edge goes to the fabulously talented team at PegArch Architecture and Design in Connecticut, because they’re smart as well as gifted. PegArch provides architectural and design services ranging from residential additions, to large scale planning and […]

Many thanks to Congressman Jim Langevin (RI) for the wonderful summer reception at Proclamation Ale Company last night! Congressman Langevin’s office hosted a thank-you reception for the folks who participate in his congressional advisory committees. These committees are made up of Rhode Island business leaders, community groups, and constituents with expertise in each area: veterans, seniors, housing, the food […]

We regularly meet high energy people who are passionate about their trade. Shiran Nicholson, the owner of Nicholson Events and now proud new owner of The Knowlton in Bridgeport, CT, is one such person. Shiran recently acquired a 29,600 sq ft building along the Pequonnock River, to bring your next party or corporate event to a higher […]

Congratulations to Education without Walls on the purchase of a new building for their unique and wonderful school! The school used a SBA 504 loan (the smartest loan program available, in our opinion!) to purchase a building that will become the new home for this independent, private micro-school in New Milford, CT. Education Without walls started in 2011 as […]

SBA lending in Connecticut increased 8% in total dollars loaned for the fiscal year that ended September 30th. The SBA approved 776 loans consisting of 661guaranteed loans, 64 – 504 loans and 51 microloans for a total of $314 million! (Source: CT SBA) This is great news for small-to-medium sized businesses throughout the state. As banks continue to work with […]

How Do You Grow a Business in Rhode Island? Just add water! In August 2019, Ripples Swim School is opening a second location in West Warwick, RI. Their original swim school is located on Gooding Avenue in Bristol, RI. The business did so well in Bristol, the owners decided to meet the market demands and open a […]