Your Guiding Light

Counterweight Brewing is a veteran and family-owned business that began working with the CTSBDC in 2015.   Advisor Gregory Lewis assisted the owners with navigating the expansion to a larger facility, including site selection and many other of the diverse issues associated with business expansion. In FY '21, Counterweight Brewing obtained a second SBA loan to construct a new 20,000 square foot facility to increase production and their ability to sell outside of the state.

Tired of working 80+ hours per week as a chef, United States Army Military Police Corps veteran, Doug Ricciardi decided he wanted something else out of life. Out of his love for fishing and the water, Tearin’ Em Up Fishing Charters was created in 2006. Used to being a producer and creating business for himself, Ricciardi started to get nervous when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. "Originally, I applied for a SBA loan and I wasn’t able to get it, so they got me in contact with the SBDC at USF and Bradley Mix.” Mix, a business consultant based in Bradenton, was able to assist Ricciardi through the process of applying for both the SBA’s EIDL & PPP loans. “I wouldn’t be here without the help of Brad and the SBDC at USF..."

Rashe Malcolm, chef and owner of Rashe’s Cuisine, has also built a close relationship with the SBDC. From the beginning of her business, she has relied on the support of her SBDC consultant. When COVID-19 pandemic hit, Malcolm was determined to continue serving the Athens community, especially those in food-insecure areas. Her consultant helped her stay in the loop about government aid for small businesses, leading to the launch of her latest endeavor, Farm to Neighborhood.

Founder, Bamboo Pro LLC