HAMLIN – The Orleans Economic Development Agency graduated 10 budding business entrepreneurs from its fall class Tuesday night at Gallo’s Bar and Grill in Hamlin.

Gallo’s co-owner Michelle Gallo graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program several years ago and has become an instructor for the class. The insights from MAP helped her and her husband to run two successful businesses – the bar and grill in Hamlin and Gallo’s Performance Auto Parts & Truck in Brockport.

Diane Blanchard, administrator of the Microenterprise Assistance Program, cuts the cake at the fall graduation ceremony Tuesday at Gallo’s Bar and Grill in Hamlin.

Administrator of MAP, Diane Blanchard, introduced Tuesday’s graduates and their proposed businesses. They are Brandi DiMatteo of Albion, event planning and party rentals; Tracie Fleischhut of Middleport, retail store and antique gifts; Jordan Gawne of Medina, bakery; Mandee Heinsler of Waterport, dance boutique; Gabrielle Joyner of Albion, holistic wellness center; Christina Nenni of Medina, party rentals; Charlie Ricci of Medina, heavy equipment and golf cart rentals; Dan Rosentreter of Medina, Coffee Pot Café; Diego Russell of Medina, lawn care; and Jennifer Walker of Albion, party bus.

Also attending the graduation were Sam Campanella with the Small Business Administration; John Fitzak, county legislator and board member of Economic Development Agency; Craig Tuohey and Skip Draper, board members of the EDA; Dorothy Daniels, instructor; and guest speaker Dan Conrad, MAP graduate and owner of Toyz n Kandy in Albion.

The graduates gave short speeches, describing their proposed business and goals.

Charlie Ricci was inspired by his late grandfather, who was a contractor, and his father Dan Ricci, who owned a golf course. They provided the role models to start a business renting heavy equipment and golf carts.

“MAP helped me in all aspects of starting a new business,” Ricci said. “From the banks who visited our class, I learned about loan options. The lawyer Brett Dawson wrote my contract for the rental business.”

Ricci, who currently runs a dump truck business hauling stone, sand and top soil, said he will rent heavy equipment and golf carts because there is nothing like it in the area.

Brandi DiMatteo, whose business Yolo plans events and has party rentals, said what will set her business apart is the attention to detail.

“I combine old-fashioned value, by going the extra mile and using cutting-edge ideas to plan my customers next special event,” she said. “Being in business has always been my dream.”

She will offer reasonable prices, and customers can choose from full packages or custom options. Rentals will include everything from tables and chairs to decorations.

Dan Rosentreter opened the Coffee Pot Café on East Center Street in Medina on Aug. 1. He sells coffee, tea, lemonade, bagels and pastries and is in the process of creating a full bakery in the store.

Like other graduates, MAP helped him with a business plan and made him eligible to apply for grants.

Jordan Gawne, Christina Nenni and Brandi DiMatteo all graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program Tuesday night. They are in related businesses and plan to help each other along the way.

Jennifer Walker hopes to purchase a party bus and offer a unique and fun way to attend special events. Her party bus would be a limousine with entertainment enroute to wineries, business meetings, weddings or other events. Alcohol would be allowed if provided by the passengers.

Christina Nenni and Michelle Wiseman started Party Tyme Rentals about three years ago, during the height of Covid. They brought party supplies to families to use in the safety of their own home. In March 2021 they moved into the Arnold Gregory Complex in Albion. What Nenni learned in the MAP class has guided them in establishing a business which is not only successful, but very supportive of their community. They rent photo booths, popcorn machines, bounce houses and party decorations.

Tracie Fleischhut used the support she gained from MAP to open Rustic Ridge Country Store on Ridge Road. It is a retail store with antique gifts and vendors. Her goal is to accommodate 25 vendors. She hopes to seek grants through MAP.

Jordan Gawne’s expertise is specialty cakes, and she hopes to open a bakery in Medina. One thing MAP encourages is networking with other classmates, and Gawne, Nenni and Brandi DiMatteo have shared ideas and plan to work with each other.

Dan Conrad, a MAP graduate and owner of Toyz N Kandy in Albion, talks to the fall graduating class on how MAP helped him build a successful business.

Mandee Heinsler of Lyndonville sells dance apparel and supports the arts at her business, Barre Boutique, in Albion at the Gotta Dance by Miss Amy studio.

Diego Russell has started Hometown Lawn Care in Medina, and will mow lawns, rake leaves and do yard cleanup.

Gabrielle Joyner also graduated from the class, but was unable to attend the graduation. She hopes to start a Holistic Wellness Center.

Guest speaker for the evening was MAP graduate Dan Conrad, who shared how he took the class to start a new business when a hand injury prevented him from doing his construction job. His business, Toyz N Kandy, occupies 1,200 square feet of space on Albion’s Main Street.

“MAP is a great resource,” Conrad said. “I never hesitated to pick up the phone and call Diane for advice.”

He stressed the importance of getting out and working together with other business owners. He said he walked throughout downtown connecting the other business owners. He is currently awaiting a grant from the EDA, with which he plans to open a second location in Brockport.

“Don’t ever lose your dream,” he told the graduates. “Be creative, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.”

The evening concluded with cake supplied by Cassandra Brady, a MAP graduate who operates Iced and Glazed Bakery.

The Microenterprise Assistance Program started in 1999 and since then, 567 people have gone through the program. MAP offers two classes each year – one in the spring and one in the fall.

Provided photos: Laura Kemler stands in her store at 45 North Main St., Albion, Laura Loxley Vintage Inspired Goods. Her business was boosted by a $20,000 grant through the Microenterprise Assistance Program.

ALBION – Nine graduates of the Microenterprise Assistance Program, who received special grants of $10,000 to $20,000, celebrated at lunch Tuesday at The Lockstone in Albion.

Lockstone’s owner, Natasha Wasuck, was one of the graduates and grant recipients. She said buying the site of The Lockstone, a former automotive and carpet store, has proven to be quite a venture.

Wasuck, who is also a realtor, took the MAP class in 2019 because she wanted to educate herself in all aspects of business, she said. Her business is a wedding and event venue, with an ice cream parlor during the summer.

Her $12,000 grant enabled her to buy a bar cooler and furniture for her wedding venue. She called the MAP an asset to the community.

“A lot of small businesses which might have struggled have been able to start up, because of MAP,” she said.

Margie Steffen, who owns Studio 11 Hair Salon at 11 East Bank St., Albion, has been in business for 22 years, but still found she learned how to better her busienss in taking the MAP class.

“I had also taken it eight years ago and took it again in April last year, because I still thought I could benefit from it,” she said. “I wanted to refresh my business skills and find out if there were any new opportunities available. I learned having a business plan is essential.”

One of those opportunities available to graduates was applying for the state GOSC/OCR grant. Steffen received $15,000, which enabled her to give her shop a facelift and buy new barbering and spa equipment.

John Woodams, who owns a hops farm with his wife Kim in Kendall, attended the MAP class in 2021. With their $15,000 grant, they were able to buy 2,500 more hops plants, bringing their total to 8,000.

John said the class was a big help to them.

“Learning how to develop a business plan was the most beneficial,” Kim said.

Sarah Ebbs has been baking with her grandmother and mother since she was 13, so having her own bakery is a dream come true. Her mom Pam Jenks first started the bakery and it really took off after they opened Pretty Sweet Bakery in 2019 at 117 North Main St.

Ebbs took the MAP spring class in 2021. With her $15,000 grant she was able to revamp the bakery, purchase new equipment and inventory and create seating options for customers. She said the MAP and grant availability were great opportunities for a new business.

Sarah Ebbs, one of the graduates of the Microenterprise Assistance Program, has been approved for a state grant to expand her business, Pretty Sweet Bakery, at 117 North Main St., Albion.

Nickie Poler Girardo is a mixologist who runs a mobile bar tending service. She will create a personalized menu for any event, including weddings, holiday parties, private gatherings or corporate events. She will create signature cocktails, and brings staff and all supplies with her.

“I take the guesswork out of bar service for an event,” she said.

Her $15,000 grant enabled her to purchase a new enclosed trailer, new equipment, beverage refrigerators and a generator for the trailer.

Jenna Chevier of Kendall Road, Holley, has put her knowledge of event planning and digital marketing to work to form her business, Eventageous Media Marketing.

“I wanted to take the things I enjoy most and do them for other people,” she said.

She has taken some courses, but most of what she knows she learned from experience, including website design. In event planning, she caters small to medium size weddings and entertainment conventions.

With her $12,000 grant, she was able to buy equipment to facilitate her marketing for small businesses.

Jackie Chinn took two things she is passionate about and turned them into her business, Lyric and Lizzy Boutique, located at 335 North Main St., Medina. Her store sells clothing for children from infant to size 12 and treats, toys and accessories for dogs and cats

She recently added a new feature, Lincoln Bear and Buddy, where children 3 and older can made their own bear in the store. She has also introduced a Book and Bear concept for parents or grandparents who want a unique gift for their child. It includes a book, tee shirt, craft, stickers and a toy.

Chinn took the MAP class in 2019, before opening her business in 2020. Her $15,000 grant enabled her to buy new merchandise and shelving for her store.

Lynn Palmer’s $15,000 grant enabled her to increase her inventory and purchase new shelving for her store, Upscale Overstock, at 50 North Main St., Albion. At the recent MAP graduation, she shared her story of rising from poverty to becoming a self-sufficient, successful businesswoman.

The last recipient, and one of the most successful MAP graduates, is Laura Kemler, who owns Laura Loxley Vintage Inspired Goods at 45 North Main St., Albion.

She produces unique handmade and hand dyed fabric goods. A $20,000 grant enabled her to purchase inventory and equipment. She has returned several times to talk to MAP graduates about what the program has done for her.

Two Microenterprise Assistance Program classes are held annually. The next one is scheduled April 5 to June 14 at the Arnold Gregory Building. Anyone wishing to enroll may contact coordinator Diane Blanchard at (585) 589-7060.

ALBION – With the recent graduation class, Orleans Economic Development Agency’s Microenterprise Assistance Program has catapulted 544 prospective individuals on their path to success.

Tuesday night at Lockstone in Albion, seven more graduates celebrated completing the class, managed by Diane Blanchard.

Lindsey O’Connor of Kendall presents her business plan to the Microenterprise Assistance Program graduating class on Tuesday night at Lockstone in Albion.

As usual, the class represents a unique number of innovative business ideas by these budding entrepreneurs.

Those who presented their business plans were Ryan Jenks, who plans to start a machine shop; Sada Mills, who runs a quilting and crafts business out of her home in Medina; Lindsay O’Connor of Kendall, who does furniture refurbishing; Danial Conrad, who has opened Toyz N Kandy in Albion; Elizabeth Miller of Albion, who plans a bakery and deli; Deloris Mosher of Kent, who plans Deez’s Cupz, which will sell printed signs and clothing with her designs; and Steve Thomas, who has a catering business.

Ryan Jenks of Holley works as a mechatronics engineer for Zweigles. He took the MAP class to help him with his desire to open a machine shop. Perspective customers can reach him at jnxengineering@gmail.com.

Sada Mills of Medina is calling her new business Sadas Spirited Stitches and Such. She does quilting and crafts and makes quilts from jeans scraps. Her target market is women between the ages of 30 and 65 and she is gearing up for the holiday season.

Everything is hand made using repurposed materials, including jeans and sweaters. She said key chains are a big seller and her porch signs made with chalk are unique. Her e-mail is sadasspiritedstitchesandsuch@yahoo.com.

She strives to retire from her full time job by 2025.

Sada Mills of Medina receives her graduation diploma from the Microenterprise Assistance Program class Tuesday night at Lockstone. Mills plans to open a quilting and crafts business in Medina.

Elizabeth Miller had been living in the Adirondacks when she made the decision to move back home to Albion. She had a job working in a restaurant, when it closed due to Covid and she was out of a job.

She plans to open a bakery and deli, where she eventually will have meats and cheeses which she will slice to order. She has acquired space in the former Albanese’s Restaurant.

“This is more than a bakery,” Miller said. “I make all my own mayonnaise and dressings from scratch.”

Favorites are her maple mayo and pepper mayo. Her deli menu will change daily, with items such as white bean chicken chili, clam chowder and special sandwiches.

She said the support from her boyfriend, family and friends has been incredible.

Deloris Mosher of Kent does printing of textiles and linens at her home. She specializes in sports teams, such as the Buffalo Bills, using designs she has created herself. She will also do printing from designs her customers provide.

“I still work full time at Walmart, and this was a hobby which I really liked,” Mosher said. “I now want to do it for other people.”

She can be reached at jd@deezcupz.com.

Lindsay O’Connor and her husband James love restoring old furniture and want to make a business out of it, transforming old furniture into quality and value-oriented pieces. They currently work out of their home, but hope to have a physical location by March 2022 with a grant from Orleans County EDA. That way customers can view furniture in a gallery setting, as if it were in their own home.

James is a truck driver and brings home pieces of furniture he may spot along the road, and family and friends bring furniture items to them.

Lindsay said they like to combine the old with the new, the classic with the contemporary. Since going into business in March last year, they have sold 300 pieces out of their home. They can be contacted at ravenmoonrevival.com.

Steve Thomas of Albion previously had a food truck, and through trial and error he found out what worked and what didn’t. He hopes his new venture will be more successful – running Hot Spot Catering from his location on West Avenue in Albion. He had set up a tent and grill in front of Ace Hardware and did very well, he said, making him hopeful for his new venture.

Dan Conrad receives his graduation diploma from Dorothy Daniels and Michelle Gallo, program mentors and instructors. At right is MAP coordinator Diane Blanchard.

Daniel Conrad’s new business Toyz N Kandy sprung out of his experiences in the local candy store as a kid.

He has rented space on East Bank Street in downtown Albion, where he has set up a Foosball table and air hockey. He sells retro candy, including penny candy, and even quarter candy. He said Gary Withey who ran Fischer’s Newsstand has been an inspiration to him.

The program concluded with a success story by Lynn Palmer, who took the MAP class two years ago and has since grown a very successful overstock business in Albion.

Also in attendance at the graduation were Jon Costello and Sam Campanella, class mentors with SCORE, who have since retired, and Paul Hendel, chairman of Orleans County Economic Development. New mentors and instructors are Michelle Gallo, who took the class in 2018, and Dorothy Daniels.

Gallo has returned to speak to several classes since she graduated with her husband. They started out with a junk yard and towing business. She said they will clear more than $1.5 million this year in the junk yard. She has repeatedly told the MAP classes how the course has helped her and her husband succeed. They recently purchased a third business, the former Hamlin Station, which they opened two weeks ago as Gallo’s Bar.