Issue 4: December 2018




Mason Small Business Development Center
Providing guidance that will turn your ideas into an enterprise
Mason SBDC Newsletter
December 2018
The winter holiday season means really really, big business, with increased sales, new inventory and more customers.
However in the midst of all that, lets all remember that it is also a time when family and friends come together to celebrate the holiday season and be grateful for the whole year.

So at this joyful time, we too would like to show our appreciation for our work with all our clients and partners by saying Thank you for partnering with us at Mason SBDC.
We wish you happiness and peace in a New year filled with hope and new adventures.

Our offices will be closed from
Mon, Dec 24th, 2018 - Fri, Jan. 4th, 2019.
We look forward to a fantastic 2019 together with you !

Client Showcase 
Cupcake Novelties
Cupcake Novelties is a custom desserts boutique located in Fairfax, Virginia, with offerings ranging from delicious Cupcakes, Cake Pops, Cupcakes in Jars and Cupcake Bouquets to custom Chocolate dipped desserts including Chocolate covered Oreos, Rice Krispie treats, Pretzels, Marshmallows and exclusive Gold dipped Rock candy!

Operating from a private work studio, all desserts are made to order, with nationwide shipping available through   www.cupcakenovelties.etsy.com . 

Founded in August 2011, Farozan Jivraj, the owner of Cupcake Novelties has a degree in Pastry Arts, and enjoys creating delicious works of edible art, with handcrafted details to coordinate with each event and celebration!

Along with thousands of families, her clientele also includes Corporate clients such as Nordstrom, Warner Bros., Universal Studios as well as a number of Event Planners and Coordinators. 

Working with Mason SBDC has been a great experience and the valuable advice received on marketing, finance, and web presence online is being implemented regularly. Thank you for having such a great resource for small businesses! 

Our Team's Involvement
Fairfax County 2018 Vendor Forum
Mason SBDC had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Fairfax county vendor forum that hosted almost 500 attendees.

The vendor forum has grown to be the single best opportunities for local government organizations to meet and network with small businesses around the Washington D.C metro area.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2018
We at the Mason SBDC enjoyed being a part of the 38th Annual America's SBDC Conference that took place September 4-7, 2018, in Washington, DC, at the beautiful Washington Marriott Marquis.

Every year the ASBDC conference attracts 1,300+ SBDC professionals from all over the nation. Where advisors, trainers and directors come together for professional development and networking. It was an amazing time of not just learning but interacting with diverse people from every part of the country .
Start Up Mason Trip to Frontier Kitchen
Startup Mason and Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at GMU hosted a trip this October 2018 to  Frontier Kitchen that Mason SBDC was a part of.

Being an entrepreneur is hard work and figuring out how to build a company while you run it is even harder. That is where Frontier Kitchen comes in.

They are a business incubator for the culinary world that are here to help entrepreneurs build a sustainable, viable company that will grow well into the future. 

Upcoming Events
Business Counseling in Downtown Manassas
The Manassas Economic Development Authority approved a proposal for a new small business development center (SBDC) office in downtown Manassas.

The office will be located at CenterFuse and open one day a week at first to gauge interest and demand. Hours and staff may expand from there. It is an extension of the Mason SBDC at George Mason University–Mason Enterprise Center in Fairfax.

The new SBDC office will open its doors and begin offering services in January.
“Having an SBDC office located at CenterFuse in Historic Downtown Manassas will allow existing small businesses and aspiring business owners direct access to counseling and support services close to their homes and offices."

Business Workshops 2019 - 1st Quarter
January 09th| 4PM- 6PM | MEC-Fairfax
Legal and Administrative Steps to Starting a Business Group Workshop

January 23rd| 4PM- 6PM | MEC-Fairfax
Marketing 101 Group Workshop

February 06th| 4PM- 6PM | MEC-Fairfax
Legal and Administrative Steps to Starting a Business Group Workshop

March 06th| 4PM- 6PM | MEC-Fairfax
Legal and Administrative Steps to Starting a Business Group Workshop

March 20th| 4PM- 6PM | MEC-Fairfax
Marketing 101 Group Workshop

To reserve your spot for any of the workshops, please call us at (703) 277-7747 ,email us at [email protected] , or visit our website at www.masonsbdc.org.

Client Testimonial
" The entire experience so far has been extraordinary. From the initial contact and speed of which they responded, to the warm welcome by reception (including a complimentary cup of coffee) they have exceeded my expectations.

George Siragusa is a true professional, and he's not only given me food for thought but also an encouraging and motivating counseling session that will assist in ensuring my new start-up business will be a success. I highly recommend the services of Mason SBDC."

Roco Benevento:Benevento & Sons Logistics
Mason SBDC | (703) 277-7747 | [email protected] | www.masonsbdc.org