Gabrielle Short of Russellville recently expanded her business from a home-based operation to her first storefront, with the assistance of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas Tech University.
The owner of Kneading Hands Bakery purchased a former cake shop to be the new home of her business. Kneading Hands celebrated its grand opening April 29.
While selling her baked good at area farmers markets, Short began working with the center at ATU more than a year ago on a brick-and-mortar location. She received market research and one-on-one consulting while searching for a building that would be ideal for her bakery.
When The Cake Place property came on the market, Short looked to Business Consultant Ronda Hawkins for help with the purchase, the loan process, and her business setup. She received a loan from Simmons Bank.
Short continues to work with Hawkins on marketing, bookkeeping,g and other operational questions.
“The benefits of working with ASBTDC and Ronda Hawkins are more than I could begin to explain,” said Short.
“If it hadn’t for the many hours that Ronda put in helping me build a business model and financial analysis, I would not have been in the position to purchase the business when the opportunity was presented. With her help through the purchasing process, I was better prepared for all the ins and outs of running a business. I could never thank ASBTDC for all they have done for me and our business!”
Kneading Hands Bakery specializes in cupcakes, cookies, and cakes for weddings and other special occasions. Also available are pies, scones, breads, espresso, and balloons.
Located at 411 W. Parkway Dr. in Russellville, the bakery stays open until 9 on Friday and Saturday evenings.