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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:37:54 GMT
It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?
It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body? Whether you're curvy, boxy, or round in the middle, Intimacy Bra fit specialist Eve Turner has some ideas that will help you find that perfect suit.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:45:59 GMT
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next.
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next. With a tight job market, many new grads are getting a dose of reality when it comes to trying to land their first job.
Good Day's own Katie Beasley will walk down the aisle this Saturday, leaving her just a few more days to prepare.
Good Day's own Katie Beasley will walk down the aisle this Saturday, leaving her just a few more days to prepare. So, does she have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue all covered? We found out.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS, so we're spending the week checking in with her on the last minute details of her big day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
Yahoo is buying online blogging forum Tumblr for $1.1 billion as CEO Marissa Mayer tries to rejuvenate an Internet icon that had fallen behind the times.
After falling woefully out of fashion, Yahoo wants to be cool again while catering to the capitalistic demands of its shareholders. That goal led CEO Marissa Mayer to make a $1.1 billion bet on online blogging forum Tumblr...
Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:41 AM EDT2013-05-15 09:41:00 GMT
The recession hasn't spared any age group, but it's been especially hard on seniors. More and more Americans 62 and older are turning to reverse mortgages to supplement their cash. But is it right for you?
The recession hasn't spared any age group, but it's been especially hard on seniors. More and more Americans 62 and older are turning to reverse mortgages to supplement their cash. But is it right for you?
Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:04 AM EDT2013-05-15 09:04:58 GMT
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:56 AM EDT2013-05-13 10:56:00 GMT
It's pretty normal these days when you're apartment hunting to be asked to pay an application fee. Those fees can be pretty steep, and can be at least $50 for every application.
It's pretty normal these days when you're apartment hunting to be asked to pay an application fee. Those fees can be pretty steep, and can be at least $50 for every application.
