Stephen and Jennifer Robichaux turned a sweet tooth into sweet success as co-owners of Sweet Robichaux, a custom cookie bakery based in Gonzalez, Louisiana. Fueled by a love of cookies and baked goods, and experience working in bakeries and coffee shops, the couple was inspired to pursue their American Dream – to build a business from the ground up.
In late 2012, Sweet Robichaux was one of 102 U.S. small businesses to be awarded resources and accelerated training from SCORE, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting small business, and Sam’s Club as part of a collaboration that is now called the American Small Business Championship. Through mentoring and resources from SCORE and help from Sam’s Club, Stephen and Jennifer learned all they could about increasing baking capacity, reducing overhead, and improving their marketing capabilities. Armed with tools to grow, Stephen and Jennifer focused on their goal – to move from their home kitchen to a commercial one. Three years later, they’ve done that and not only operate an online store, but fill orders for weddings and community celebrations as well as for individuals at local markets and festivals.
Do you own a small business that could be bigger someday? Now through Feb. 6, you can enter the American Small Business Championship by sharing your story at www.score.org/championship. Two small businesses per state will win training from SCORE, a $1,000 Sam’s Club Gift Card, publicity and more.
The American
Small Business Championship is open to any small business, and is just one of
several ways Sam’s Club and the Sam’s Club Giving Program are helping small business owners access capital and training to
grow and succeed.