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.
From 2012 to 2016, Start Small’s work grew across all five NYC boroughs. We expanded access to legal services, refined our model, and hired our first full-time staff member. As we listened to the needs of the entrepreneurs we served, we realized that legal support was just one part of the equation. Financial projections, bookkeeping, and pricing strategy were just as essential—so we created a Finance Program.
In 2017, we went bi-coastal, opening offices in Oakland and San Jose, California. This marked a turning point: we were no longer a local solution to a local problem, we were becoming a national force for inclusive entrepreneurship.
Since then, we’ve provided millions of dollars in free services to tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, powered by a belief that entrepreneurs can thrive when they’re equipped with the right tools and support.