Corridor Success Stories

In early 2024, Rodrigo Landaverde approached the Maryland SBDC to turn his export dream into reality. Though registered in Maryland, his pre-venture business needed support with logistics, marketing, and digital strategy. The SBDC provided essential guidance that helped launch Felicita Enterprise...

When Abby Larkin, owner of Crepes in the Park, decided to part ways with the a crepes franchise and operate independently, she reached out to the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance. This decision marked a significant milestone for Abby, who had been running the Seve...

For Asrorjon “Jon” Shukurov, entrepreneurship is more than just business—it’s a mission to create opportunities for others. As an immigrant, business leader, and founder of KLEENUP, Jon saw a gap in the cleaning industry that needed innovation. His solution? A groundbreaking digital platform desi...

Sharon Wilder, founder and CEO of The Oaks Hospitality Group, has demonstrated remarkable vision and determination in the hospitality industry. Over the past four years, she has expanded her business from a successful bed and breakfast in Bethesda, Maryland, to Annapolis, where she acquired and r...

Jon Bullough, owner and craftsman of Severn View Custom Woodworks LLC, has always had a passion for woodworking. His company specializes in crafting high-quality custom cabinetry, tables, and shelves for residential and commercial clients. While his craftsmanship was top-tier, he sought to expand...

For Joshua Buxton, storytelling has always been a passion—first as a video producer in the U.S. Army and later as the owner of Buxton Media Productions. What started as a one-person operation editing wedding videos has transformed into a thriving media company with a dedicated team, a growing cli...

Tomika Robertson, owner of A Giant's Preschool, knows a thing or two about nurturing potential. Her successful Preschool has helped countless young minds blossom, and now, thanks to the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and consultant Dr. Candace Pruett, she was able to take her p...

Schuyler “Shy” Kelly and her mother, Tiffany, turned their dream of a mobile pet grooming business into reality with help from the Maryland SBDC and Montgomery County Business Center. Guided by their consultants, they overcame funding and startup hurdles to launch Bad Mutha Fluffa Mobile Pet Groo...

Stephanie Doeler, owner of Easton's newest bakery, All in the Mix Bakeshop, can attest to the transformative power of small business support. Her journey from home-based cake baker to thriving commercial enterprise wouldn't have been possible without the guidance and expertise of the Maryland Sma...

Princess Parlor Kids Spa, a Glenarden-based business dedicated to providing luxurious spa services for children, has embarked on a transformative journey that showcases the resilience, dedication, and vision of its founders. With strategic guidance from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC...

Heather Lamb, the visionary entrepreneur behind BluZone LLC, has achieved a remarkable success story by overcoming significant hurdles in launching their business with the invaluable assistance of Dr. Candace Pruett from the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and a VOLT loan throug...

Fontana Designs is a full service interior design studio and workroom, established in 1991, that specializes in window treatments and upholstery for the DMV area. The business was the recipient of 7 awards including Workroom of the Year in 2022's VISION Design & Workroom Competition.

Date: 05/03/21
Type of Business: Graphic Design
Client Name: Lauren Hamilton, Big Mouth Creative Studio

Early 2015 after being first denied a business loan to start a restaurant, Flavor owners Julia and Vanna came to the Baltimore city SBDC Center for assistance and guidance to secure a business loan and launch their ‘lifetime’ dream: a full upscale restaurant.

Elizabeth Mason, President/Founder, affectionately known as “BJ”, with motivation and information from attending the classes at the SBDC and coaching from Melissa Dent, Business Consultant, restarted Irish Seams as an LLC in 2013. Initially, BJ had been working the business as a hobby and a sole ...

Keffa Coffee, LLC is importers of specialty-grade Ethiopian coffee, headquartered near the Port of Baltimore. We are proud to offer the most extraordinary and unique selection of Ethiopian coffees. With our strong commitment to sustainability, transparency, and the improvement of farmer livelihoo...

As she has stated, Devora Kimelman-Block became a businesswoman by chance. An idea for a business dropped into her lap and she decided to quit her non-profit job in the education sector and take a chance with the new business venture. KOL Foods, Devora’s company, is selling Kosher grass fed beef,...

Communication Apptitude’s owners first came to the SBTDC in April 2013 for business plan training. Additional needs including some special business needs surfaced and were addressed in subsequent business counseling sessions.