SBDC CLIENT RUBY WESLEY WINS

$10,000 PRIZE PACKAGE

IN BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

Photo: Ellen Silverman (Left) and Ruby Wesley (Right)

Ruby Wesley, owner of A Taste of Rubies, was one of three emerging entrepreneurs selected as business owners with the most potential at the first S.E.E.D.(Supporting Emerging Entrepreneurs’ Development) Conference held by the Central Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Criteria for entry were that the business be less than two years old and located in Central New Jersey. 

On October 23, 2007, ten finalists who were chosen based on the business plans they had submitted, presented their businesses to a panel of judges and an audience of close to 100.  Each winner received a $10K prize that included design and printing of collateral material, a radio advertising package, a virtual office, coaching, accounting help, promotional products and membership in five business organizations.  

Ruby’s business is “pleasantly addictive gourmet cheesecakes,” marketed under the name A Taste of Rubies.  Learning the family recipe at her mother’s knee, Ruby began by making cakes for family and friends, but as word spread of the product’s quality, she soon saw the business potential in her baking talent. Now available through her online store at www.atasteofrubies.com, Ruby’s goal is to open a retail shop in New Brunswick in 2008. 

SBDC/TCNJ Consultant Ellen Silverman began working with Ruby the end of 2006.  By mid-2007, Ruby had completed her business plan and was ready to leave her corporate job in Manhattan to devote herself full-time to building “A Taste of Rubies.”  Prior to the competition, Ellen, who teaches a class in Communicating for SUCCESS, mentored Ruby in verbal presentation skills. 

This fall Ellen also recommended Ruby sign up for the Foodpreneur classes at SBDC/RVCC conducted by Dom Celantano and Esther Psarakis.  “There is no doubt that Ruby is on the way to achieving her goal,” said Ellen, “especially once you’ve tasted her products.”

“The SBDC is a great organization truly geared towards assisting small business owners succeed,” commented Ruby.  “Its only been about 2 months since I decided to take the "Entrepreneurial Plunge" and already I can attribute one of my first business accomplishments to my SBDC Representative, who helped me prepare for and WIN a business plan competition valued at $10,000.  They are a great network of people committed to putting you on the path to success.  I would encourage anyone to contact the SBDC if they are thinking about starting a business.” 

CONTACT:

ELLEN SILVERMAN, ESAMARKETING, 908-781-2001

www.ESAMarketing.biz

 RUBY WESLEY, 732-317-1585

www.atasteofrubies.com