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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:18:53 GMT
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:17:48 GMT
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24!
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24! The Rock --- who almost never goes by his real name, Dwayne Johnson-- joined Good Day to give us a sneak peek.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:18:11 GMT
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:54:05 GMT
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank?
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank? We got some tips from an expert.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:21 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:21:44 GMT
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale.
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale. Good Day's Paul Milliken never met a red carpet he didn't like-- so who better to break down the final performances of the season live from downtown L.A. bright and early!
