Madison Reporter

Alders from the City of Madison Common Council and members of the City’s Economic Development Committee celebrated National Small Business Week by touring local businesses that have benefited from funding through the City’s Office of Business Resources.

Deputy Mayor Dr. Linda Vakunta expressed pride in the city’s support for small businesses, stating, “We are very proud of the work we do to support our small businesses, as they are critical to our community.” She emphasized the importance of small businesses in creating jobs, providing essential goods and services, and enhancing the quality of life in Madison.

The tour showcased the success stories of various small businesses in Madison, including Duncan’s Dog Daycare, Sash-A Restoration, Smart Cleaning Solutions, Bombay Bazaar Market, Brothers Cafe, Earthly Temptations, and JustVeggiez.

Samantha Fiscus, the owner of Duncan’s Dog Daycare, shared her experience of receiving support from the City’s Kiva loan match loan program and Small Business Equity and Recovery Grant, stating, “Because I opened at the beginning of the pandemic, I was not eligible for a lot of the federal grants and loans, and so I had to rely on Kiva and the grants to get me through... it was just a huge sense of relief.”

Pam Barrett, owner of Sash-A Restoration, highlighted how funding from a Small Business Equity and Recovery Grant helped her business acquire necessary equipment and certifications during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sarah Branch, owner of Earthly Temptations, expressed her gratitude for the assistance she received through Kiva loans, which enabled her to expand her business and offer a wider range of products and services. She shared, “Now all of my shelves are completely filled, and I’m really excited about that.”

James Bloodsaw, Jr., the owner of JustVeggiez, reflected on the inspiration behind his business and the support received from the Small Business Equity and Recovery Program, Kiva loans, and the City’s Building Improvement Grant program. He shared, “He was on his dying bed and told me don't end up like him, so I changed my lifestyle, and I’m on my way to changing the community.”

The success stories of these small businesses exemplify the impact of City of Madison resources in helping entrepreneurs thrive and contribute to the local economy. Business owners like Fiscus, Barrett, Branch, and Bloodsaw have demonstrated resilience and innovation, with the support of programs like Kiva loans and Small Business Equity and Recovery Grants.

For more information on the resources available for local businesses in Madison, interested individuals can visit the Office of Business Resources’ webpage.