Norwegian Baked​

 

It all started with a dream that Norwegian-native Hedvig Bourbon had in sharing her love of Norwegian crispbread (made with organic and nutritious ingredients such as rye flour, oats, and seeds) with New Yorkers.

 

Hedvig began her journey selling Norwegian crispbread as Norwegian Baked on Etsy and approached the Pace SBDC back in 2014 for assistance with developing a business plan, securing a loan for commercial kitchen space, as well as understanding how to bookkeep for her LLC.

 

In 2018, Hedvig’s business thrived as word of her famous crispbread spread. The need for her own kitchen grew strong, so Pace SBDC business advisor Sandra Cely discussed licenses and permits in attaining a space and building a new kitchen to satisfy demand, as well as setting up formal accounting procedures. At this time, Norwegian Baked made the news as Norwegian Minister of Gender Equality and Culture (Trine Skrei Grande) together with the Norwegian Consul General (Harriet Berg) came to visit the bakery and honor her for being a Norwegian woman-owned small businessowner and entrepreneur in New York.

 

Norwegian Baked moved into the Brooklyn Army Terminal in 2019 and began renovations on a new kitchen. The Pace SBDC was there to help every step of the way. When Hedvig needed assistance with evaluating social media efforts and branding, business advisor Sandra introduced her to Pace SBDC partner, Professor Peggy Kim. Hedvig was able to attend Pace SBDC’s ‘Developing Your Brand Story & Assets’ workshop and learn how to improve her company’s website and branding.

 

More recently as business fluctuated during the pandemic, Sandra helped Hedvig navigate through applying for a PPP Loan, and connected her with Paola Garcia from Pursuit Lending, which provided a much-needed forgivable loan to Norwegian Baked that ultimately helped the company preserve 3 jobs.

 

Business Advisor Sandra Cely was able to answer Hedvig’s questions about starting and sustaining a small business in New York City and set her on a path towards success.

 

The ​Pace SBD​C team​ is excited to share Norwegian Baked’s success story and urges other small business owners to seek our guidance when looking to obtain new loans and grants through federal, state, city, and private fund resources. ​If you have questions about funding programs, business planning or marketing, make an appointment today for a no-cost advisory session by emailing ​sbdc@pace.edu​ or ​visiting our contact page​.

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