unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
When downtown Bennington began to buzz with revitalization, Joan Gilpin and her daughter Anique were inspired to be part of the community's reignited energy. In 2023, Joan and Anique began going through the process of purchasing a property to expand from their previous location. That's when their banker encouraged them to connect with Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) to develop a business plan and a three-year projection. Soon after, they met with Business Advisor Nancy Shuttleworth.
"My mom and I are so happy to be fulfilling our goal of creating a celebration of authentic Jamaican cuisine and community spirit through good food, music, and game night. We are very grateful to be working with Nancy and the VtSBDC. She has been consistently kind and reliable, and we have truly benefited from the learning experience, and from gaining a newfound friend."
Joan and Anique came to VtSBDC with questions and concerns. Together, they were able to address each in a timely manner, overcome challenges, and move the process forward. Anique said that they have learned so much from working with Nancy. They were able to complete a business plan and the required projections. She showed them how to navigate all the financials step by step from the balance sheet to profit and loss statements, cash flow, and more.
Open in Spring of 2024, Joan and Anique are receiving rave reviews about their mouthwatering menu that includes savory jerk chicken, curried fish and vegetables, and delectable dessert cakes, just to name a few. They take pride in sourcing the freshest local ingredients and crafting each dish using generations-old, treasured family recipes. A Caribbean-themed atmosphere sets the scene for a relaxed dining-in experience, but the family-operated, women-owned café also offers the convenience of take-out and delivery. The warm and welcoming family creates a friendly, comfortable ambiance, surrounding customers with the essence of Jamaican hospitality.
In a world where adult gatherings often revolve around alcohol, one innovative entrepreneur is reshaping Vermont's social landscape. Lisa Danforth is the visionary behind Burlington-based Tonique Mobile Bar, Vermont's only mobile alcohol-free bar service. Founded in August 2023, Tonique also offers mixology classes, team-building activities, a pop-up bottle shop, and partnerships dedicated to non-alcoholic events.
Reaching beyond the bar, Tonique strives for inclusivity, community, and redefining social norms. With more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience and the managing of several successful ventures, Lisa identified a significant gap in the market: a lack of sophisticated, high-quality, non-alcoholic beverage options. She noted that more and more people are searching for other choices, including the sober, sober-curious, pregnant individuals, athletes, and those seeking alternatives to alcohol for health or personal reasons or as an ally.
While some places offer non-alcoholic choices, few prioritize crafting truly exceptional alcohol-free cocktails. Lisa's realization sparked a culinary journey toward creating a fun and robust menu of craft cocktails, beer, wine, shrubs, bitters, and functional beverages—all alcohol-free.
"Working with my advisor allowed me to consider different perspectives and make informed decisions. Sarah's insights and connections opened doors that were otherwise inaccessible. Her support was crucial in shaping Tonique's foundation and setting us on a path for success."
Starting a business in an emerging industry presented challenges, but with a colleague's recommendation, Lisa found invaluable support from the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) and her Business Advisor, Sarah Kearns. VtSBDC helped develop a solid business plan and navigate the financial complexities of launching a new venture.
Tonique's goal continues to be to create a space where everyone, regardless of their lifestyle or health concerns, can enjoy diverse beverage choices. It's about offering alternatives beyond the typical options and a deep commitment to inclusivity and community-building. Lisa envisions a world where individuals can make conscious beverage choices without feeling pressured or limited by societal expectations. As Tonique expands its reach beyond Burlington, Lisa remains committed to innovation and excellence. They are constantly refining offerings to meet the evolving tastes of their clientele to create memorable experiences, building community, and changing perceptions. Lisa shared that they are already seeing the results of the power of vision, community, and the art of crafting unforgettable beverages, one sip at a time.
Flywheel Industrial Arts, located in Montpelier, lives true to its name. The flywheel, a mechanical device storing kinetic energy, is a fitting symbol for a business that has harnessed the power of collaboration to create inspiring, functional works of art. Founded by Chris Eaton, Ben Cheney, and Jesse Cooper in 2020, Flywheel brings together the owners' diverse experiences, lifelong passions, and creative talents to deliver bespoke architectural elements and public art that redefine spaces.
From staircases and railings to cabinetry and large-scale installations, their creations are visually striking and tactile. Each piece is a testament to the skill and dedication of their team, who take pride in crafting objects that are as beautiful as they are functional. As the business grew, they began seeking financing sources to invest in tools to expand their design and production capabilities. They were referred by their lender to Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) and Business Advisor Charles Ininger.
"From the beginning, Charley has always been efficient, informed, and supportive. VtSBDC has been an excellent resource for a broad spectrum of topics relevant to our business. They have helped us identify important concepts and resources and have been friendly and welcoming throughout."
Charley worked with Jesse, Chris, and Ben in the creation of a plan which allowed them to secure a financing package for new equipment. With additional guidance from VtSBDC's marketing specialist, they have begun some new publicity efforts and developed a marketing plan to understand who their customers are, and how to reach them.
Flywheel involves their clients throughout the design and fabrication process. Using advanced digital modeling software, the team creates detailed visualizations that help clients, designers, and builders align on plans and bring their ideas to life. One larger-than-life example of their work is a recently completed public art installation of three giant wooden clothespins, a nod to Montpelier's historical role in clothespin manufacturing. This project not only showcases their craftsmanship but also demonstrates Flywheel's commitment to their community. With the strength of their team and the support of their business advisors, Flywheel continues to grow and innovate.
