Lacey Banks

she/her/hers

"I’m #allforsmall because access to professional services is key to helping underserved entrepreneurs build capacity for long-term growth. We’re here to support small businesses as they invigorate their neighborhoods, build community wealth, and create more inclusive communities."

Start Small Think Big Names Mabell Fernandez as Executive Director
ED Mabell Fernandez
Start Small Think Big is pleased to announce that Mabell Fernandez has been appointed as its next Executive Director, effective January 26, 2026. A nationally recognized expert in entrepreneurship and economic equity, Mabell brings more than 20 years of experience and a record of building scalable, research-driven solutions that expand opportunity for underserved small business owners.

Mabell Fernandez

she/her/hers

“I’m #AllForSmall because entrepreneurs build resilience, opportunity, and community every day - often in the face of immense challenges. At Start Small Think Big, we work to make sure underrepresented small business owners can access the expertise, partnerships, and support they need to grow and thrive.”

So You Want to Start a Food Business: The Regulatory Basics
Legal
legal
business planning
Manage My Business
entrepreneur
#SmallBizSupport
#StartSmallThinkBig
trade
Food Business Preparing Regulatory Basics
Food businesses are held to high standards for good reason: safety and trust. Regulations ensure that what you sell is safe to eat and clearly labeled. Taking time to understand which rules apply to your specific business model can save you time and money, and let you focus on what you love: sharing your food with the world.
Introduction Blog: The Foundation of Start Small Think Big’s Work
#allforsmall
#StartSmallThinkBig
#smallbusiness
#SmallBizSupport
community
finance
legal
business planning
entrepreneur
Black woman standing
The small business journey doesn’t have to be one you take alone. At Start Small Think Big, we want to support you and your entrepreneurial dreams. That’s why our non-profit is dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs across the country with the free resources, knowledge, and community they need to thrive — and we’re proud to offer it all for free.

Mission

Start Small Think Big is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting small businesses by connecting entrepreneurs—especially those with limited access to capital and institutional support—with the professional resources and community they need to thrive. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to start and grow a business, and we're here to help make that possible.

Our Future

We believe there’s no single path to growth. 

 

For some entrepreneurs, it looks like opening a storefront. For others, it means staying small but earning more. And sometimes, it’s about reclaiming time, building community wealth, or hiring locally. Our future is about meeting these dreams with the resources, tools, and community needed to make them real. 

Our History

Our founder, Jenny DaSilva, knew firsthand how daunting entrepreneurship could be, especially for those without access to the necessary resources. She decided to use her legal training to make it easier for others to forge their own path. Start Small Think Big launched in the Bronx, New York, with a small network of legal experts offering free services to help local entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. 

 

Subscribe to