Newsletter: November 2023

Turning Dreams into Reality: Daniel Sykes' Journey

​At 27, Daniel Sykes from Victor, NY, saw a business opportunity in purchasing a Pizza and Sub Shop in East Bloomfield. With a solid two-year background in the industry, he took the leap. Securing financing proved challenging, leading him to the SBDC and advisor Gina Marie Mangiamele.

Together, they honed Dan's business plan and marketing strategy using tools like Entreskills and the business model canvas. Advisor Mangiamele ensured all necessary documentation was meticulously prepared for submission to the bank.

Now, Sykes Pizzaria is set to reopen in late October after some final touches, much to the community's excitement.

Read More About Daniel's Journey Here

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SBDC Partnership Spotlight 

In this edition, we're turning the spotlight onto you, our dynamic community of entrepreneurs! Your experiences and wisdom are invaluable, and we want to hear from you. Share your insights and learn from fellow business enthusiasts. Let's dive in!
Hear from SUNY Brockport School of Business management Dean Doyle

Dean Michael Doyle, the visionary leader of the SUNY Brockport School of Business and Management. His insights shed light on the crucial alignment between SUNY Brockport's mission and the invaluable role played by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in fostering growth, innovation, and community impact.

How do your interests align with the mission of the SBDC?

Dean Doyle emphasizes, "The mission of the SUNY Brockport School of Business and Management is to help grow the business leaders of tomorrow, have a positive impact on the community at large, and create connections and opportunities for our students and our community." He underscores the pivotal role played by small businesses in driving the economic engine of the Greater Rochester region. Unlike most institutions, a significant number of SUNY Brockport graduates choose to remain in the region after graduation. By aligning the curriculum and actively engaging with local entrepreneurs, the university creates a powerful formula for small business growth.

What are the most notable impacts and successes facilitated by the SBDC within the community, from your perspective?

Reflecting on the past fiscal year, Dean Doyle highlights the remarkable achievements of the SUNY Brockport SBDC. "They served over 500 clients, aiding in the establishment of 71 new businesses, while also securing almost $10 million dollars in funding for small businesses. The advisors' dedication to propelling the small business sector is truly outstanding."

Why does SUNY Brockport place significant value on supporting initiatives like the SBDC, and how does this commitment contribute to the greater regional economy?

Dean Doyle underscores the integral role of the Greater Rochester region as a thriving hub of Higher Education. He emphasizes that while SUNY educates students from across the state, the largest student population hails from the Greater Rochester area, and a significant number choose to remain here post-graduation. Supporting business startups and growth is not only vital for the region's success but also paramount to SUNY Brockport's mission. Additionally, the university is intensifying its involvement with SBDC, enhancing visibility and creating more opportunities for student internships and connections with SBDC startups. This marks the beginning of an exciting new phase that will enhance the undergraduate and graduate experiences for all students.

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Meet One of Our Business Advisors

​Gina Mangiamele, an exceptional advisor at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. Her dedication to the community and her clients shines through in every interaction. Here, Gina shares some of her insights into her work and the impact it has on the small business community.

 Could you share some examples of how you have contributed to the community through your work with the SBDC, and the positive impact it has had?

Gina's commitment to her clients goes beyond the usual advisement. One notable example is from the early 2000s when she assisted a family daycare owner with limited technological resources. Recognizing the need for efficient communication, Gina sourced a memory typewriter, revolutionizing the client's ability to communicate effectively. This simple yet impactful gesture highlights how the SBDC often goes above and beyond to ensure their clients' success.

In your opinion, what makes the partnership between SBDC and SUNY Brockport valuable for students who are just starting out in their entrepreneurial journey?

For Gina, the collaboration between SBDC and SUNY Brockport is invaluable for students embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. Linking education to real-world business scenarios is crucial. Through internships, students gain practical experience by working with actual clients, learning about available resources, and understanding the reach and impact of the SBDC. Additionally, this partnership not only benefits students but also elevates awareness of economic development efforts within the region.

Could you tell us about a particularly impactful webinar or training workshop the SBDC has, and the key takeaways attendees gained from it?

The Brockport SBDC offers a highly impactful workshop, "Fast Track to Business Ownership". This 20-hour intensive program covers essential business concepts and skills. With guest speakers from various professional backgrounds, attendees gain comprehensive insights into legal, accounting, insurance, marketing, and finance. This program equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

How do you see your work continuing to evolve and positively impact the small business community in the future?

In a constantly evolving business environment, Gina emphasizes the importance of adaptability. The challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift towards disaster preparedness. The SBDC now focuses on helping entrepreneurs be better prepared for unforeseen disruptions. Additionally, heightened concerns about physical and cyber security have led to enhanced training, resources, and funding opportunities.

How do you approach one-on-one advisement sessions? Are there specific strategies or principles you find most effective in helping your clients succeed?

Gina's approach to one-on-one advisement is rooted in attentive listening and strategic questioning. She believes in understanding each entrepreneur's unique needs and tailoring solutions accordingly. Whether it's assisting with financing, conducting market research, or connecting clients with specialized resources, Gina's personalized approach ensures that entrepreneurs receive the guidance they need to thrive.
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Upcoming Events / Workshop

November 13th, 15th and 17th | 9 am – 5 pm | Online Course

Launching a start-up business is challenging and requires planning, knowledge, and
funding. Knowing what to do and when to do it, just got easier with our newly
developed Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 20-hour workshop.
This virtual event, 3-day, 20-Hour start-up workshop is designed to train new
entrepreneurs with essential information to help navigate the challenges and
requirements of launching a new business enterprise.
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The cost for the 3-day seminar is $125. Register now and learn more about what the
SBDC can do for you, visit Register here 

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