Business & Tech

First Smallknot Campaign In State Succeeds

Smallknot, a new small business financing platform intended to spur community support of independently owned local businesses, was met with support in its first foray into South Carolina.

For Molly Simons, community support is sweet indeed. 

And what's good news for Simons' custom cake shop, , is also good news for Smallknot. 

Smallknot, a crowd funding platform geared at providing micro-financing for small businesses, was founded by Jay Lee and Ben Rossen and until this point has focused mainly on local campaigns in New York. The business model relies on everyday people, not banks or wealthy investors, to provide funding in exchange for goods and services in kind. 

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Cake Notice represented in South Carolina, and was met by plenty of support, as Simons confirmed Tuesday that her goal of $2,500 had been surpassed with several days to go - some $2,520 has been raised. Her deadline to meet goal is July 5. 

Simons said she will use the funds to expand the retail side of her store, as Cake Notice has already grown from a simple custom cake operation to include offering locally made coffee and bread, along with a variety of cupcakes. 

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"We're going to expand retail and incorporate more locally owned artisan food crafters, so folks who make different kinds of specialty food items you might find at a gourmet shop, we'll be carrying now - and it will all be local," Simons said. "We'll be a place to get a gift for someone or pick something up on the way to a dinner party." 

For Simons, a Boston native who found her way to Taylors by way of Furman University, southern hospitality isn't just a phrase - it's a true spirit of community that has spurred the success of the first Smallknot campaign in the state. 

"I always knew that I really loved the community that I opened my store in, but the success of the campaign inspires me even more about the power of community, and the power of individuals supporting small business," Simons said. "It inspires a lot of faith. It's exciting to be part of it." 

 


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