Dedicated Entrepreneurs
Elmseed clients are dedicated entrepreneurs in various industries that have chosen to work with us to improve their businesses. We are currently working with 34 local small businesses in the greater New Haven area ranging from food carts to salon services. Here’s a sample of our client profiles:
Cheryl Simplicity Treats
Cheryl’s specialty at Simplicity Treats are her unique non-baked “dirt cakes”. Cheryl came to Elmseed with a unique product popular at church and neighborhood events. We have since worked with Cheryl to meet food regulation requirements, create attractive packaging options, develop a marketing plan, and develop a web presence to sell her delicious treats.
“When I think back to when I was younger, Sunday dinners always put a smile on my face, especially memories of helping my mom cook dinner and make dessert. Now that I have my own family, I have continued that tradition. Seeing the smiles and enjoying the memories that desserts can create started me on my business adventure. Sunday dinners brings families together and make memories, and that is what Simplicity Treats wants to accomplish, bringing families and friends back to eating, sharing stories, getting to know each other and most of all creating memories.”
–Cheryl
Antoine QConn Shuttle
Antoine runs a shuttle service from New Haven, CT to three New York airports. Antoine came to Elmseed with 8 years of experience in the taxi industry. Our work with Antoine included developing an independent contractor model for the company, marketing to better reach college campuses around New Haven, and determining the business feasibility of an additional route to Newark.
“Our goal is to give the drivers a chance to really make a living for themselves and their families. With most ground transport, and not just the cab and shuttle business, they tend to exploit the drivers by paying very little.”
–Antoine
Jean and Bob Tropical Breeze Jamaican Kitchen
Jean and Bob operate a Jamaican restaurant in West Haven, and came to Elmseed to determine whether moving locations to the downtown New Haven area would be beneficial for their business. We are continuing to work on developing a marketing plan with Jean and Bob.
“Mama, in her Jamaican kitchen, would rub down the chicken with a mixture of fresh herbs and seasonings before jerking the chicken and pork, and so do we. Maybe that is why we were voted “Best Jerk Chicken” in Connecticut by Connecticut magazine in 2009. Mama used fresh coconuts to make her Rice and Peas, not canned coconut milk, and so do we. Every day, we make our meals just as she did, using fresh, natural ingredients, cooking in the home style”