The U-S Small Business Administration and Congress member John Katko are hoping what’s brewing at Cafe Kubal can be an example to other businesses wanting to expand. That’s because Owner Matt Godard is one of the graduates of the SBA’s Emerging Leaders program.
The free 7-month intensive course offered by the SBA takes a look at existing businesses from the outside to see how they can improve their operations. Congress member John Katko says the program works.
“They give you the keys to grow your business to unlock your potential, and to venture out into uncharted territory. And that’s exactly what Café Kubal has done and they’re growing leaps and bounds everywhere.”
The instructor of the course, John Litty, will work with 15 to 20 business owners. He says Cafe Kubal’s owner had some large goals he wanted to fulfill going into the course.
“Not only was he thinking about doing some expansion in his small business, he was doing it critically. He was thinking, ‘what if I (grow) not just one store, but how do I repeat that.’ He wanted to think about growth in the community.”
Congress member Katko says he’s working with his colleagues in Washington to reduce regulations and is optimistic new tax policies can be hammered out that would help small businesses.
“The backbone of our economy is small businesses. In New York State more than 90% of businesses are small businesses. It’s a stunning number when you think about it. This is a mom and pop coffee store, a grocery store, my sister and brother-in-law’s restaurant, Kitty Hoynes, right down the road, another example. Those are the things that are running our economy; that’s why the Small Business Administration is so important.”
The deadline to apply for the Emerging Leaders Program is March 15 and classes begin at the end of the April.
