2017 Fall Newsletter | Staten Island SBDC
Director's Message
This Fall, the Staten Island SBDC has been engaged in a number of events with many of our partners to stimulate the growth of small business on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn.

As we approach the holiday shopping season, we encourage all to "think big and shop small" in support of our local small businesses - with the kick off on Small Business Saturday, November 25th!

Happy Holidays to all,
Dean L. Balsamini
Director
Staten Island SBDC @ CSI
#ShopSmallStatenIsland
It's almost Small Business Saturday!

As holiday shopping season kicks off, don't forget to spend your hard earned money at your favorite local shops.

On average, every $100 spent in our small businesses, $68 remains in the local economy!

Support your neighbors, friends, and family members who had the vision and drive to start their own business.

Post your photos throughout the day and use #ShopSmallStatenIsland ! Tag your local business and be sure to tag us @sisbdc as well to be featured on Instagram!
Are you offering a special sale or hosting an event on Small Business Saturday? Send us an email!
Upcoming Events
Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
Holiday Mixer
Tuesday, December 5th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Historic Richmondtown
441 Clarke Avenue Staten Island, NY 10306

Small Business Lenders Seminar
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, January 10th 2018
8:30am - 11:30am
College of Staten Island - 1P
2800 Victory Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10314
Business Plan Writing Workshop
Wednesday, December 13th 2017
10:30am - 12:30pm
New Utrecht Brooklyn Public Library
1743 86th Street Brooklyn, NY 11214


Tax Update Seminar
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, January 24th 2018
9:00am - 12:00pm
College of Staten Island - 1P
2800 Victory Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10314
Tip of the Newsletter
Dealing with Negativity as an Entrepreneur

"We’ve all faced some form of negativity as an entrepreneur... We cannot control what other people say or do, but we can control how we react."

Kristen Fusaro-Pizzo, owner of Bath Body Candle Moments and President of the Vine Vendor Network, sure has had her share of experiences through vendor events.

Click to read her article on how to deal with negativity - from customers, reviews, and even your competition!
SI Safe Ride
If you plan on visiting your local establishments this Thanksgiving Eve, check out this great initiative!

BP Oddo, the technology company Uber, District Attorney Mike McMahon, the NYPD and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) announced the “SI Safe Ride” initiative, a partnership to combat driving under the influence in Staten Island by offering all residents 2 free rides while out celebrating on Thanksgiving Eve. 

Between the hours of 6pm on November 22 and 6am on November 23, Staten Island residents can open up their Uber apps and enter the promo code “SISAFERIDE” to unlock 2 free rides, up to $15 each. The rides must start and end in Staten Island. 
A New Holiday Experience on Staten Island
The Staten Island SBDC is a proud sponsor of Winter Wonderland , coming to Staten Island November 25th through December 23rd at the Richmond County Savings Ballpark.

This 70,000-square foot fully immersive holiday experience will take guests on a trip to a winter alpine village, featuring all the wonderful holiday themes and feelings that we all know and love. Attractions include ice skating, a 34-vendor holiday market, a nightly light show, Santa’s Workshop, a life sized working Gingerbread House bakery, an Igloo bar featuring holiday cocktails and nightly live entertainment, rides, games, and experiences for guests of all ages.
New York Green Business Program
The Department of Environmental Conservation recently launched the New York Green Business program and is accepting applications for it through Friday, December 15th.

NYGB is a free and voluntary program that provides recognition and benefits to businesses that have a strong commitment to sustainability.

"New York leads the nation in furthering environmental protections and supporting renewable energy, and we know that businesses and communities benefit from working together to build a cleaner, greener New York," Governor Cuomo said. "The New York Green Business Program will encourage other businesses to pursue sustainable practices, attract new customers and foster sustainable innovation that will benefit everyone."

To become a member of the NYGB a business must:

  • Have a good record of compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
  • Make commitments to projects that will lower their environmental footprint; and
  • Communicate their commitment to sustainability to their customers and employees.

If you have any questions about the program you can reach out to Brendan Woodruff (brendan.woodruff@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-9159)
Staten Island SBDC Business of the Month

"We define our success by the success of our clients."
An initiative from the Staten Island SBDC to showcase the success and achievements that result from the hard work and efforts formed from business relationships with our expert advisors.
November 2017: Blush Blowout Bar

“Working with the SBDC and Ed as my advisor has been a great experience. He was very helpful in providing resources, answering all of my questions throughout the process of starting my business but most importantly was very encouraging. In a sea of negativity from various people I’ve spoken to over the last year about the prospect of opening a business, it was refreshing to have someone in my corner besides family.” – Tiffany Saldibar, Owner of Blush Blowout Bar

October 2017: BKG Roasters

“If it wasn’t for the help of the Emergency Funding, which we fought for tooth and nail with the help of George, we would have never survived. Getting knocked down is never an enjoyable experience. But for all its unpleasantries, there’s often a moment of clarity that follows.”- Alain Farrelly, Co-Owner BKG

September 2017: Millenium Medical Billing

“Working with Joe Bottega & the SBDC has given MMB constant guidance along with many resources to grow our business. MMB values the relationships we build with our clients & community.” – Jane Calder & Danielle Buchell, Owners of MMB
In the Spotlight: Clients in the News!
Grand Opening:
Great Connections

Staten Island's newest Social Service Center
Photo: Staten Island SBDC Business Advisor Joe Muller with Lorraine Millan, CEO, and Ian Wismann of Great Connections.

Grand Opening:
From the Source

New Manhattan Showroom for Unique Wooden Furniture
Photo: General Manager Wendy Sohn and Owner Philip Tuan

Grand Opening:
Gift Lane

New Gift Shop & Card Store in New Dorp, Staten Island
Grand Opening:
Violette's Cellar

Staten Island's newest brunch & dinner spot, featuring a secret Speakeasy!
Photo: New Storefront of Gift Lane, located at 358 New Dorp Lane

Photo: Inside Violette's Cellar

What has the SBDC been up to?
Get social with the SBDC to see what's going on in your community!

You can now follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Use #sisbdc and tag us @sisbdc to connect with us on upcoming events or services you provide for the local small business community.
#SISBDC in Your Neighborhood
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Are you a business owner in need of assistance, but can't leave your space?
Let the SBDC come to you!

If you are interested in utilizing our services and to schedule an appointment with one of our business advisors, call us at 718-982-2560 to schedule an appointment in one of our convenient locations or for a "Feet on the Street" visit!

#SISBDC Spotted outside of the College of Staten Island!

The SI SBDC network is constantly growing and supporting our communities. Have you seen us at an event or helping out a nearby business? Tag us in your photos to be featured on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

BETTER SERVING OUR COMMUNITY IN 3 LOCATIONS:
MAIN OFFICE:
College of Staten Island
2800 Victory Blvd. SI NY 10314
Building 3A Room 105
Call for an Appointment: 718-982-2560
STATEN ISLAND OUTREACH OFFICE:
St. George Satellite Office
Business Advisor: Joe Bottega
Phone: (718) 873-4496

Call to make an appointment today!
BROOKLYN OUTREACH OFFICE:
Bay Ridge Satellite Office
Business Advisor: George Telmany
Phone: (718) 619-5603

Call to make an appointment today!

718-982-2560 | SBDC@csi.cuny.edu |  www.sisdc.org
The SBDC is a program supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.