Local Entrepreneurs Thrive with Support of Wilkes University Small Business Development Center
Two women-owned businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Nibbles & Bits and Purrfect Mugs Cat Cafe, are celebrating success thanks to hard work and assistance from the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center, highlighting a growing trend of female entrepreneurship.
Maggie Calpin, owner of Nibbles & Bits, a candy and gift shop in Dunmore, took over the business in 2009 after graduating from Keystone College. Facing initial hurdles in securing funding, Calpin ultimately obtained a loan and has since expanded to include in-house chocolate production and multiple wholesale accounts, including locations at Wegmans and several casinos. “I’m delusional… I see the good that’s going to be coming and that hard work pays off,” Calpin said, emphasizing her optimistic approach to overcoming business challenges. Vikki Kenyon, owner of Purrfect Mugs Cat Cafe in Plains Twp., opened her unique business in May 2021 after initially running a nut house with her mother. The cafe combines a coffee shop experience with a cat adoption center, partnering with local rescue organization Whiskers World to find homes for over 400 cats to date.
Both entrepreneurs credit the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center with providing crucial support during their ventures. The center, which offers free and confidential services, has assisted 772 women entrepreneurs over the past four years, primarily in the service industries. “They helped me get in touch with the proper people for licensing and zoning,” Kenyon explained. “They were an extreme help through the process.” The SBDC’s assistance includes feasibility studies, business plan development, and navigating regulatory requirements, resources that are particularly valuable for first-time business owners. For more information on small business resources, visit the Small Business Administration website.
With Women’s Entrepreneurship Day approaching on November 19th, the success of Calpin and Kenyon serves as an inspiration to aspiring business owners in the region. Dorothy Lane, Director of the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center, noted the continued strong demand for their services, indicating a sustained interest in entrepreneurship among women. Officials say the center will continue to provide support and resources to help these businesses grow and contribute to the local economy.
