"When the pandemic struck in 2020, small businesses around the country were confronted with shutdowns and downturns in sales. Simpson Thacher partnered with Start Small Think Big and other legal community members to provide rapid response assistance with applications to grant and loan programs and guidance on different pressing legal needs.Start Small Think Big enabled our attorneys to feel connected to their communities as they worked tirelessly to help struggling businesses.

"Before working with Start Small Think Big, BVA’s team was looking for a way to give back to the community through our service offerings. Start Small Think Big provides our employees with the opportunity to use their unique skillsets in order to help businesses that truly deserve it. We love working with their small business owners, and it helps create a genuinely impactful volunteering experience for our staff."

Cassandre Davilmar opened Lakou Cafe to host local art shows, open mic nights, cultural conversation groups, and concerts for the community. But in March 2020 sales decreased and they had to close the doors due to COVID-19. Later that year, Cassandre received a one-time $5,000 grant to add to their PPP loan. Cassandre worked with Start Small Think Big’s finance program on projections, planning, and bookkeeping. Our legal and marketing programs assisted them with conducting business online, lease review and negotiation, entity selection, trademark, and digital marketing strategy.

Hector Castillo Carvajal is serious about coffee, so they created Don Carvajal Cafe to share their enthusiasm for craft roasted coffee beans, carefully sourced from hardworking farmers in Latin America, with the world. But when the pandemic hit, farmer’s markets closed, and Hector’s sales dropped. Hector reached out to Start Small Think Big, received a one-time $5,000 grant, and worked closely with our finance program on projections and planning to become a sustainable business.

Longing for their family and Mexican culture, Nancy Rosales, created Pepitos Paletas— and began selling fresh homemade popsicles. While a freezer is usually required to deliver paletas without compromising the product quality, Nancy invented a unique freeze box that can store the paletas at the desired temperature for up to 8 hours. Due to COVID-19, business sales decreased and Nancy sought assistance in pivoting their business model.

Learning the art of DJ mixing is a passion Lamont Bransford-Young transformed into a business when they launched Fingersnaps Media Arts in San Francisco, California. Lamont’s DJ school offers classes on skill and technique to all ages. When Lamont was searching for a studio, they reached out to Start Small Think Big for assistance. Our team conducted a business audit and helped organize Lamont’s finances, which enabled them to secure a new school and studio space.

Frederick Daniels’ Barcuts expanded from hair care and styling to becoming a one-stop-shop for grooming and professional portrait services. When the pandemic started, Frederick self-taught themself photo and video editing, partnered with Start Small Think Big’s finance program on businesses projections and planning, and attended many of our marketing workshops. With the new skills they learned, Frederick was able to increase income and plan for the future. Now Frederick is looking to expand their business to Washington, D.C., and California.

Born in Lebanon, Edouard Mannish brought their modern Mediterranean palette to the concrete jungle of Brooklyn when they launched their private chef and catering business. But like many small business owners, COVID-19 impacted Edouard’s business model, forcing them to close their catering company and open a storefront, Edy’s Grocer. During the transition, Start Small Think Big helped Edouard with bookkeeping and digital marketing for their new business. Edouard also was awarded a one-time $5,000 grant, which enabled them to hire more staff and increase business revenue by 66%.

Tammeca Rochester’s indoor cycling business Harlem Cycle saw revenue decreases of more than 50% after they were forced to close their studio’s doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Tammeca had to get creative and quickly pivot their business model online in order to stay afloat. Tammeca knew they needed financial and legal assistance to transition their business online. Start Small Think Big helped facilitate a one-time $5,000 grant to create digital classes, and our legal program provided them with contract assistance to ensure protection of their unique business model.

When the pandemic forced the nation to shut down, events and in-person gatherings were halted. Katlyn Algeria had just launched Hitched Company, a unique bartending experience business—by March 2020 sales declined by more than 50%. If they didn’t make some changes, Katlyn’s business would close entirely within just a few months. Katlyn was down to their last, so they reached out to Start Small Think Big. They received a one-time $5,000 grant and our marketing program assisted with the creation of a marketing plan focused on promoting their outdoor events business.