unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Established in 1956, Diamond Antenna and Microwave has grown to become a leading global competitor in design, manufacturing and testing of high-reliability precision radio frequency (RF) rotary joints and integrated rotating subsystems for ground, shipboard, submarine, aircraft and commercial platforms, as well as space applications. The company employs 68 people at its headquarters in Littleton, MA and has been exporting for the past 20 years. As Diamond Antenna's international business started expanding in the mid-2010s, the company needed to establish solid export compliance and operational procedures to avoid violations and streamline its order and fulfillment processes.
"Diamond Antenna has worked with Massachusetts Export Center for a number of years, and they've been a valuable resource assisting us with improving our processes, procedures, training and overall knowledge, allowing us to safely and confidently increase our international business."
The Massachusetts Export Center, part of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, has helped Diamond Antenna with a various export-related issues, focusing on export regulatory compliance and export operational concerns. The Export Center's assistance included export compliance manual reviews, export classification, export licensing determination, origin determination under Free Trade Agreements, and a comprehensive export compliance risk assessment.
Through the Export Center, Diamond Antenna has also taken advantage of the STEP Grant program. Diamond Antenna has been a member of the Export Center's Compliance Alliance initiative for the past 8 years and has also taken extensive advantage of the training programs offered by the Export Center, with the employees of the company attending over 25 online and in-person events to keep current with export regulations and best practices.
As a result of the Massachusetts Export Center's assistance with the company's export operations and export development activities through the STEP grant, Diamond Antenna has been able to launch an international expansion that resulted in significant export growth. Exports currently account for approximately 27% of the company's overall revenue, and Diamond Antenna is well on its way to achieving its goal of increasing export revenue to 35% of total revenue within the next three years. Diamond Antenna has expanded to about 20 export markets, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
In recognition of the company's export success, in 2024, Diamond Antenna and Microwave was named winner of the Massachusetts and New England Regional Small Business Exporter of the Year awards, presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Massachusetts Export Center was honored to nominate Diamond Antenna and Microwave for these awards.
In 2020 while working at an Apple Store, Kevin Figueroa discovered a passion for teaching technology to less-experienced users, particularly senior citizens. Many of the store's customers came from the surrounding senior community, often seeking help with technology issues that they faced at home. Although addressing these concerns wasn't always part of his official role, Kevin made it a priority to provide helpful guidance whenever possible.
This experience ignited an idea of creating a service dedicated to helping senior citizens navigate technology. In 2022, Kevin launched KevTech Services, focusing on personalized technology training and support for seniors. His goal was to empower older adults to stay connected, independent, and confident in using devices and software.
However, a major challenge soon emerged — funding. Kevin partnered with local Councils on Aging (COAs) to offer technology classes tailored to their communities. While these partnerships aligned perfectly with KevTech's mission, COAs typically operate as non-profits with tight budget constraints. As a result, securing sustainable funding for KevTech's services became a persistent hurdle, making it difficult to scale the business or invest in additional resources.
"Working with my Massachusetts SBDC business advisor has been phenomenal for my business and for me. The advice regarding grant funding has allowed me to offer my services to new clients and expand into new areas. My advisor always offers fresh perspectives on ways to approach different problems that I face, and having the ongoing encouragement and guidance has motivated me to continue striving to grow my business in new and innovative ways."
To address the funding challenge, Kevin sought guidance from the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center's Northeast Region. His business advisor suggested exploring grant opportunities available to Councils on Aging (COA). These grants could provide financial support enabling COAs to cover the costs of KevTech's services while keeping the classes affordable and accessible for their communities.
Kevin began researching grants designed for senior services and technology education. This involved identifying funding sources, understanding application requirements, and helping Councils on Aging prepare compelling proposals. By collaborating closely with COA directors, Kevin ensured that the grants aligned with their goals of enhancing senior engagement and digital literacy.
The process was both rewarding and challenging. While Kevin invested considerable time and effort in understanding the grant landscape, the results were worth it. With the funding secured, several COAs could sponsor KevTech's classes, allowing Kevin to provide hands-on, personalized training to seniors who otherwise might not have access.
This solution not only addressed the immediate funding issue, but also strengthened Kevin's partnerships with the Councils on Aging. It demonstrated Kevin's commitment to the COA communities and reinforced the value of his services. Additionally, this experience taught Kevin the importance of collaboration and creative problem-solving in overcoming business obstacles, skills that he continues to leverage as KevTech Services grows.
Since implementing the grant funding strategy, KevTech Services has experienced remarkable growth. Revenue increased from $30,000 to $120,000, and the team expanded to include another technician and a part-time administrative assistant. While this growth was not solely due to the grant funding, the strategy played a crucial role in boosting exposure to new clients and communities.
One particularly impactful example was a hybrid grant that funded a year's worth of weekly tech classes in two Massachusetts communities. These classes provided consistent engagement with seniors and helped establish KevTech's reputation as a trusted resource for personalized technology training.
Over the past two years, KevTech Services has significantly expanded its reach, offering classes across areas south, west, and north of Boston. This growth reflects the increasing demand for tailored technology support and the value seniors place on staying digitally connected.
As KevTech Services grows in size and impact, the company remains committed to empowering seniors through technology education. With plans to serve even more clients and communities in the future, Kevin looks forward to building on this momentum and helping older adults gain confidence and independence in today's digital world.
Starting her small business was a challenging journey for Jennifer Baker. She aimed to transform her experience as a senior move manager into a business that embodied the belief that "there is no greater reward than serving others." Entering a new market, Jennifer had to convince potential clients of her unique value proposition. With no initial funding beyond her savings, every decision was critical. Jennifer also faced a strong local competitor with an established customer base. Despite these hurdles, Jennifer knew building a robust partner network was essential. She tirelessly attended networking events, contacted industry contacts, and leveraged social media to connect with potential partners and clients. Her perseverance and strategic efforts gradually paid off, allowing her to carve out a niche in the market and surpass her competitors within a year.
"The Massachusetts SBDC has been instrumental in my success, offering more than just business advice—it's been a partner in my journey. My advisor consistently provided clear, actionable answers to my questions about marketing strategies, building a team, financial planning, and even overcoming roadblocks like creating the right materials to represent my business.
I am incredibly grateful for the expertise, encouragement, and clarity that I've gained through my experiences with my SBDC business advisor. The positive impact on my company, my employees, and my confidence as a business owner cannot be overstated. I highly recommend this organization to anyone considering starting a business or any business owner that is navigating growth and/ or changes to their existing business."
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center began by helping Jennifer identify key partners that were essential for her success and aligned with her vision. This network expanded her reach, resources, and client referrals. The SBDC also assisted in developing her marketing materials, ensuring a clear and compelling brand message through professional brochures, a user-friendly website, and an effective social media strategy.
Recognizing the importance of a strong team, the Massachusetts SBDC coached Jennifer on hiring employees and providing insights on selecting candidates who fit her company culture. This support was invaluable as she transitioned from a solo entrepreneur to a team leader.
A significant shift occurred when the Massachusetts SBDC helped Jennifer work on her business rather than in it. The SBDC business advisor taught Jennifer to delegate tasks and focus on strategic planning, enabling her to scale operations more effectively. Additionally, the advisor helped Jennifer establish better accounting practices by introducing her to accounting software and training her in financial management. This comprehensive support empowered Jennifer to overcome initial challenges and set her business toward to sustainable growth.
In a remarkably short period, Jennifer has successfully positioned her company as the preferred Senior Move service for a multitude of senior living facilities. Her dedication and strategic vision have been instrumental in this rapid ascent. Under Jennifer's leadership, the company has grown significantly, now boasting a team of 16 highly skilled employees. This expansion has allowed them to handle a full schedule of moves, often booked several months in advance, reflecting the high demand for their exceptional services.
Jennifer's commitment to excellence extends beyond just moving services. She has meticulously built a powerful network of partners, including real estate agents, downsizing experts, and other professionals. This network enables her team to offer comprehensive solutions that address every aspect of the moving process. Their approach is characterized by unparalleled professionalism, ensuring that every move is done with precision and care. Moreover, Jennifer and her team are known for their genuine compassion towards seniors during what can often be a challenging transition.
Through her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, Jennifer has not only expanded her business but also set a new standard in the industry for quality and empathy in senior relocation services. The Massachusetts SBDC's Western Region team continues to work with Jennifer to help further improve operations and financial tracking.