Honored business owners include Connie and Jack Thayer of Portage Pie in Westfield, Mary and Steven Farmilant, owners of the LUMI Cafe in Chautauqua Institution, Emily and Sam Gardner, owners of Gardner Chiropractic in Olean and Laura Green, owner of La Dolce Vita in Olean.

“These individuals have not only inspired the SBDC team of advisors, but also inspire others interested in starting their own small business in our region,” said Courtney Curatolo, Small Business Development Center director. “It has been very fulfilling watching each of these individuals grow their businesses and see success in a period of economic uncertainty.”

Hector Alverio, owner of the Hotspot Cafe in Jamestown, has been named the SBA Buffalo Minority Champion of the Year after being nominated by Danny Hickman, SBDC business advisor. As a minority entrepreneur, Alverio opened his cafe on Valentine’s Day 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the shutdown he implemented take out service and not only survived, but thrived. He has continued to grow his business into catering ventures as well.

Connie and Jack Thayer, owners of Portage Pie in Westfield, have seen tremendous growth in their business over the last ten years and sell around 800 pies a week now. They have attracted a strong customer base and become nationally recognized. The business now includes around 10 employees and includes a second generation of family.

Beth Reed and Senior Busin are pictured at Portage Pie in Westfield.

Mary and Steven Farmilant, owners of LUMI Cafe in Chautauqua Institution, opened their business in 2022 and plan to operate from May through September providing small menu grab-and-go deli sandwiches, coffee, local flowers and a daily revolving to-go dinner offering. They employ six local people for the summer.

For services and more information, contact 716-338-1024 or visit www.sbdcjcc.org.

LUMI cafe

Portgage Pie

Pictured from left are Mary and Steven Farmilant, LUMI cafe; Dr. Courtney Curatolo, director of the Small Business Development Center at JCC; and Brian Rovegno, business advisor at the Small Business Development Center at JCC.