The Journey - March 2023

SBDC Team Presents at Global Concepts Charter High School

March 8, 2023

Global Concepts Charter High School in Lackawanna invited the SBDC to present for the annual Career Expo and Job Fair on March 8th.???SBDC Director Susan McCartney and SBDC Business Advisor Joseph Clark participated in the program.?Susan and Joseph presented before seven classes on entrepreneurship to very enthusiastic students.?The discussion included starting a business, challenges of owning a business and some of the core personal traits are often found in entrepreneurs – including persuasion, positive attitude, and exceptional energy.?Most found it fascinating that there are no age restrictions with owning and operating a business in the United States.?It is our hope that several Global Concepts students consider owning their own business in the future.

Curate Kitchen

Jodi Battaglia spent the first decade of her career at a Buffalo-based global food and hospitality company. There she acquired a keen business acumen but, more importantly, a deep passion for food and those who create it.

As many experienced in the wake of the pandemic, Jodi found herself inspired by others' ingenuity and as a result reassessed her career priorities. The desire to climb the corporate ladder was quickly superseded by her passion for food and a vision for Curate.

Curate is a platform that connects chefs with guests through private at-home culinary experiences and tailored food-forward celebrations. The "dine different" philosophy works to expand minds and palates, encouraging individuals to try unfamiliar cuisines and explore new ways of interacting with food.

Curate was designed as a service to take the burden off chefs who are trying to grow their brand in an unstable time. The model leverages unique ways of dining and to provide an exceptional experience unlike anything people in Buffalo have witnessed before.

Jodi approached the Small Business Development Center with expansion and certification in mind. Jodi said, "I've relied on Marilyn Roach and the qualified?staff at the SBDC to help me assess and realize?expansion?opportunities for my business and assist me in pursuit of my Women's Business Certification. As an entrepreneur?wearing many hats, it is a relief to have a helping hand and I couldn't have?done it without their support." For more information: https://www.curate.kitchen/

Tangos 716 LLC

Gabriela Ozan immigrated to the United States in 2004 from Argentina. Since making Buffalo her home, she has wished to open an Argentinian restaurant. Chasing this dream has been far from easy. To start on this dream, Gabriela first started working with the SBDC in 2008! She participated in our Restaurant Institute in 2009 and opened in small pop-up locations throughout the years.

In September of 2022, Gabriela decided to reach out to the SBDC one more time. This time, focusing on her Argentinian empanadas. Immediately Gabriela started working on her business plan with business advisor Olivia Harbol. She was connected to the Western NY Law Center’s Small Business Legal Clinic to form her LLC and to a marketing consultant to create her logo.

Gabriela’s perfect timing meant she didn’t have time to second guess herself! She applied to The Broadway Market and was accepted! Gabriela said, “I don’t have the words to explain how important the SBDC is, because not everyone has the same financial background. I am where I am today because of your assistance.”

Tangos 716 LLC currently sells at The Kitchen at The Broadway Market on Fridays from 12pm to 4pm. You can find Tangos 716 LLC on Facebook and Instagram @tangos716

Executive Sweeps LLC

This is?Ms. Jazslyn Leon, owner of?Executive Sweeps LLC?located in Buffalo, New York. Ms. Leon is a graduate of the?Ultimate Marketing and Contract Readiness Program (Cohort 3)?conducted by the?Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Buffalo State University. Ms. Leon's business is primarily engaged in cleaning building interiors, construction sites, and/or windows. They have been in business for approximately 7 years and is Certified MWBE (Minority Woman Business Enterprise) with the Empire State Development (ESDC) and County of Erie/Buffalo, New York.

Jazslyn’s Story:

“When I was younger, I would go to work with my mother and help her at her job - cleaning buildings. As I grew older, I appreciated clean buildings; knowing it had been done correctly. So I eventually started a janitorial company (I was an educator by trade). Fast forward- the COVID-19 Pandemic. Suddenly I was thrown into the madness of sanitation and sterilization. Fortunately, because of my earlier experiences, I was able to expand the business services to performing office cleaning, surface disinfecting, and janitorial services. This included all kinds of facilities including schools, medical buildings, and property management holdings, using a Special Personal Touches Program - Clean by Color. The program segregates cleaning assignments to prevent cross-contamination by differentiating specific cleaning and sanitizing tasks. Our clients, like CARVANA, Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network (GBUAHN), and the Express Facility, appreciate the professionalism.”

Additionally, the company has a program, Enhancing Youth Employability, assisting youth in understanding a job is not just the job but a responsibility when engaging in janitorial type services.

For more information, contact Executive Sweeps LLC at?[email protected]

Joseph Clark

The Small Business Development Center is pleased to introduce its newest business advisor, Joseph Clark. Joseph joins the SBDC team with a wealth of experience, as he has been self-employed for over three decades.

Upon graduating from Buffalo State University, Joseph began his professional career at Empire of America Savings Bank. As Empire of America went into receivership, Joseph started Shining Example Office Cleaning. His company employed over 30 individuals and earned its stellar reputation as a specialty commercial cleaning company. After selling his company, Joseph pivoted to manage his personal investments. He was featured in the March 1, 2007, edition of the Wall Street Journal, where he discussed the challenges faced by active traders and retail investors during volatile markets.

Joseph's banking experience, small business ownership, and financial acumen make him a unique talent and an asset to the SBDC. He looks forward to providing guidance and direction to local startups and entrepreneurs.

If you need assistance, please feel free to either call the SBDC office (716) 878-4030 or send one of our team members an email.

?Dr. Susan A. McCartney, Director, [email protected]

Ms. Andrea Lizak, Associate Director and Business Advisor, [email protected]

Ms. Marilyn Roach, Senior Business Advisor and Financial Specialist, [email protected]

Mr. Michael McCarley, Business Advisor, [email protected]

Ms. Olivia Harbol, Business Advisor, [email protected]

Mr. Joseph Clark, Business Advisor, [email protected]

Ms. Demetrice Jones-Davis, Office Manager,

[email protected]