For a lot of local businesses, expansion can be hard because of lack of access to capital. But, a local company has found a way to grow without going to a bank.
Lauren Janis, owner of Big Daddy Biscuits, has to put a limit on the amount of biscuits her dog gets daily. She calls him ‘Fatty Daddy," but his real name is "Big Daddy." He's the inspiration for Big Daddy Biscuits - a small business based out of Janis' home. She started the company three years ago at the suggestion of her family.
"I was sitting with my niece and my nephew and we were talking about what I should do, and they said make dog biscuits. So the next day I went out and literally bought a mixer, started doing research and development and came up with my products," said Janis.
People have been buying her handmade all natural biscuits ever since. In addition to selling out at farmer's markets around the area, Big Daddy Biscuits are now in whole foods stores across Georgia.
"People really like what we're doing. We've got something going on that's pretty good, I think," Janis said.
But, all that growth has made it hard to keep up with the orders. She's outgrown her kitchen and adjoining home office. So she's turning to the website, Smallknot.com, to expand. Smallknot.com is a capital-raising website that lets the public invest in small businesses in their area. In exchange, you receive goods, services or special perks and benefits.
"It's kind of like you're prepaying for your product to help us grow," said Janis.
Janis is trying to raise $3,500 for high volume production equipment. She's hoping her customers will use smallknot.com to help her. In return, they'll receive deep discounts on delicious dog biscuits, and the satisfaction they've helped out a neighbor.
"If I help them and they help me, it all comes back in one fell swoop. And that's what it's all about in my opinion," said Janis.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:08:03 GMT
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Monday, June 17 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:03:25 GMT
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:05 AM EDT2013-06-17 04:05:45 GMT
The loyalty cards on customer's key chains may be going out of fashion making way for the loyalty apps. There is a new one that has hit Atlanta called Front Flip.
The loyalty cards on customer's key chains may be going out of fashion making way for the loyalty apps. There is a new one that has hit Atlanta called Front Flip.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Thursday, June 13 2013 7:16 AM EDT2013-06-13 11:16:10 GMT
You might think saving the environment has to cost a lot of money. But, Good Day Atlanta's Tacoma Perry found way to go green and save green at the same time.
You might think saving the environment has to cost a lot of money. But, Good Day Atlanta's Tacoma Perry found way to go green and save green at the same time.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-12 14:07:03 GMT
Earlier this year, FOX's Steve Noviello brought you some of the coolest new gadgets around from the Consumer Electronics Show. So which ones made the cut?
Earlier this year, FOX's Steve Noviello brought you some of the coolest new gadgets around from the Consumer Electronics Show. So which ones made the cut? He joined Good Day to tell us which ones are hitting store shelves near you.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-11 12:03:28 GMT
According to The Brookings Institute, Atlanta's suburbs are the most impoverished areas in the country, but one agency continues to be the place where families can find help.
According to The Brookings Institute, Atlanta's suburbs are the most impoverished areas in the country, but one agency continues to be the place where families can find help.
Monday, June 10 2013 8:26 AM EDT2013-06-10 12:26:08 GMT
Many teens act like their smart phones are a permanent attachment to their bodies, but there are ways parents can cut costs and keep an eye on their teens' data usage over the summer. During summer break,
Many teens act like their smart phones are a permanent attachment to their bodies, but there are ways parents can cut costs and keep an eye on their teens' data usage over the summer. During summer break,
