April 2015

Small Business Newsletter
Entrepreneur of the Month
AnnMarie D'Erasmo
Posh Pretzels Inc.

AnnMarie D'Erasmo, founder of Posh Pretzels, spent a decade perfecting her gourmet pretzel skills. She began by offering them as gifts, before transforming her hobby into a full time career in confections.  Nothing makes you melt like her hand-dipped desserts.  Break a piece of her salty sweet chocolate-caramel or dark chocolate coconut pretzel to bite into wholesome chewy perfection.  

 

Single mother AnnMarie always dreamed of opening a chocolate pretzel retail store in the town in which she is raising her two children. Now, thanks in part to the support and a small business loan from Community Capital New York, AnnMarie's Posh Pretzels opened her retail store in Tarrytown. Community Capital provided guidance on the lease arrangement, insurance, financing options, marketing and the encouragement every start-up entrepreneur needs to "get to opening day."

 

Click here to read the full story on how Community Capital helped the business get its start; then stroll over to Posh Pretzels at 7 North Broadway in Tarrytown to try the goodies for yourself. You can also visit the business' website http://poshpretzels.com/  and their Facebook page here

Marketing - five strategies to incorporate in your business
  
Marketing can keep your business on the forefront of your (potential) customers' minds, so that your business is the
first one they think of when in need for the product or service you offer. Marketing is also used to show how much you value and appreciate your existing clients - which will make them more likely to come back. Here are five strategies that should be part of your overall marketing plan:

 

1. Market Research

You might love the idea of adding nail services to your hair salon, but that doesn't mean your customers will agree. Good market research tells you what your customers want. Before any major change (which will come with a price tag), reach into your existing customer database at random, ask pertinent questions, and then analyze results. You can also refer back to our October 2014 newsletter for more ideas.

 

2. Consistent Branding

Branding might seem like a lower priority for a 'small' business, but it matters for building trust with your customers. Inconsistent branding choices make your potential customers wonder if they can trust you. Trade in that logo designed on the back of an envelope when you first opened your doors, and consider upgrading to consistent, professional branding.

 

3. Online Presence

Whether your business is selling anything online or not, your customers are shopping online. Today, 80% of consumers do research online before they even come to your store. Having a strategic, concise and well-maintained online presence helps you get clients attention and, ultimately, their business. Customers are online - come to the customers. Otherwise, they'll go to the competition.

 

4. Curb Appeal

Spruce up the showroom, update the signage, redo that landscaping, and keep everything neat and clean. First impressions still matter - make your business as inviting as possible. Basic curb appeal can go a long way!

 

5. Local Presence

Be active in your local community. Participate in community events. Sponsor community organizations. Cater to the local customers. Then talk about it on your website and social media. Your community spirit shows even far-away potential customers that you are one of the "good guys" and a business who cares and that can be trusted.

 

Marketing can be an invaluable tool if you know where and how to focus your efforts. Use these five strategies to acquire and retain more customers! 

Upcoming Events
GROW Conference

 

 

  

 
This year's GROW conference is just days away! 

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to take advantage of an exceptional team of experts who will share advice to help you launch and GROW your business!

 

What:

The largest learning and networking event for small businesses in the region  

 

When:

Friday, May 1, 2015  

7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Where:

Westchester Community College

The Gateway Center

75 Grassland Road

Valhalla, NY

 

To register and for more information, go to www.westchestergrow.com. 

 

We look forward to seeing you there!  

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Opportunity is our mission.

Creating Opportunity is our mission. Community Capital is an economic catalyst that strengthens the prosperity of our communities. Through education and innovative financing we enable underserved people to become stakeholders in a more inclusive economy.

We believe:  

Access to opportunity is a path to prosperity and successSafe, decent, affordable housing create stronger communitiesFinancial and business education fosters economic independenceHardworking people willing to invest in their businesses deserve our support.
Community Capital New York
Wells Fargo
SBA
Empire State Development
  914 747-8020| 914 747-2049| www.communitycapitalny.org