NYSBDC 2024 Millennial Small Business of the Year

On August 27th, 2024, the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), proudly celebrated the achievement of our client, Nose Best Candles, who was honored with the NYSBDC 2024 Millennial Small Business of the Year award.

This prestigious designation highlights the innovative spirit and dedication of Nose Best's founders, Brittany Furnani and Pace University alum Cristian Abbrancati. Working closely with Pace Small Business Development Center, the Nose Best team received crucial support in business planning, generating new sales leads, and securing financing including obtaining funding through Empire State Development's NY Seed Grant and a small business loan from Ascendus via the NYC Opportunity Fund, which enabled them to expand into new markets and ramp up production to meet rising demand.

The award ceremony was held at Nose Best's storefront in Bushwick, Brooklyn, featuring inspiring remarks from Andrew Flamm, Regional Director of the Pace University Small Business Development Center, who commended the remarkable journey of Nose Best Candles and the significance of small businesses in the community. Andrew then introduced Johnathan Betancourt, Community Liaison from Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez’s office, and Sonya Smith, NYSBDC State Director, both of whom praised the entrepreneurial spirit of the Nose Best founders and emphasized the importance of small businesses in driving economic growth. The business owners, Brittany Furnani and Cristian Abbrancati, expressed their gratitude for the support and recognition.

The event was well-attended, with representatives from the US Small Business Administration, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the NYC Department of Small Business Services, and small business lender Ascendus among those present. Their support and recognition underscore the significant impact that small businesses like Nose Best have on the community.

The celebration concluded with a tour of Nose Best's soon-to-launch event space, showcasing their ongoing expansion. Attendees enjoyed catering by Bushwick Grind, another successful client of Pace SBDC, adding a local flavor to the event.

For more information on how we can help your business, visit our website or contact us at sbdc@pace.edu. The Pace University Small Business Development Center is a team of business counselors helping New York City’s entrepreneurs build, sustain, and grow successful small businesses. To make an appointment with a certified business advisor, contact us via our website or email sbdc@pace.edu.