Monica Ferracioli learned that growing a business is not about saying yes to every opportunity. It is about knowing which opportunities fit, building the systems to support growth, and creating room for others along the way. Through her experience with Santander’s Cultivate Small Business, Monica gained tools and perspective to make more intentional decisions about the growth of Sorbae Frozen Treats. Read More

LifePlate’s journey to becoming the number one company on ICIC’s 2025 Inner City 100 award list began with a simple belief: healthy food should never mean sacrificing flavor. Discover how the Dallas-based business turned strong relationships, a commitment to learning, and a clear sense of purpose into extraordinary growth. Read More

Haydee Gomez's journey from working in a gelato shop to owning her own successful frozen dessert manufacturing company, Bosco Frozen Desserts, is a story of passion, determination, and innovation. After moving from Venezuela to Canada, she discovered her love for gelato and eventually pursued her dream of owning a gelateria. Alongside her brother, Ezequiel, she founded Gelato Gourmet and rapidly expanded the business through hard work and resilience. Despite the challenges posed by the 2020 pandemic, Haydee pivoted the business model and successfully launched Bosco Frozen Desserts, which has since become a renowned local artisan frozen dessert manufacturer. Haydee's commitment to continuous learning and growth led her to participate in Santander's Cultivate Small Business program, providing her with valuable knowledge and resources. Looking ahead, the Gomez siblings are set to introduce a new product line featuring nostalgic flavors inspired by their Venezuelan roots as they continue to innovate and grow Bosco Frozen Desserts. Read More

Darlene Jones is the talented mastermind behind Star Fusion Brand, a series of successful restaurants in West Philadelphia known for their fusion of American and Thai flavors. After leaving her corporate sales career, Jones used her marketing expertise to launch her brand in 2015. Jones participated in Santander’s Cultivate Small Business program, which helped her secure a $20,000 grant. The grant allowed her to invest in her company, acquire new contracts, and purchase a specialty oven to fulfill large orders. The experience of owning a small business has been a positive one for Jones. Despite experiencing some challenges, Jones remains motivated and encourages other business owners not to give up. Read More

Mona Ahmad decided to leave her job at a bank in Boston to take care of her daughter and newborn twins. But more time at home allowed her to cook her traditional family meals—that’s when her love for cooking really took off. Ahmad turned her passion into a business by ... Read More