South Bay Business Wins Grant Award And Boosts Revenue

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. - Aug. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Just one year ago, Khryste Langlais, owner of BabyCakes Baking Company in Torrance decided that she would submit her application for the ShopLocal.us Small Indie Business Grant offered to small local businesses based in the South Bay. Among the 30 businesses that applied, Langlais was the big winner, earning $1,000 to invest in her business. This award could have been used to purchase new equipment for her bakery to house more cakes, but Langlais decided to use the money more strategically to reach more customers…and her strategy paid off.

“The grant money gave us access to technology we couldn’t have afforded before…we’ve been able to attract new customers and it’s making a difference to our bottom line,” said Langlais. BabyCakes now has an online app, Wi-Fi for store customers, and a stronger social media presence.

BabyCakes also received the distinction of being one of the businesses in Torrance to become Certified Locally Owned; a business certification provided by ShopLocal.us.

“Being a member of ShopLocal.us has helped to solidify us into the community, and continues to keep us interactive and connected to other business owners,” said Langlais. “It helps us keep our name out there.”

This year, ShopLocal.us is committed to doubling this year’s grant award amounts, giving away over $3,500 in total grant awards and other valuable prizes to support local businesses in the South Bay community.

Winners will be announced at this year’s South Bay Business Mavericks Gala & Grant Awards to be held on October 29th, 2014 at the Toyota USA Automobile Museum in Torrance, California. Over 100 attendees are expected to attend the gala event, including local entrepreneurs, community leaders and small business owners.

When asked, ‘why offer the grant awards,’ ShopLocal.us Founder Heidi Butzine said, “The Grant Awards program is our way of giving back to the South Bay. We know it takes a lot to run your own business. It’s the courage, persistence and passion that drives the small business owners to get out there every day and serve our community. We’re proud to host the Small Indie Business Grant program to honor the tremendous contribution small businesses make to the national and local economy.”

BabyCakes Baking Company was started by Khryste Langlais in 2007. Following its scratch-made small batch baking methods, BabyCakes offers fresh quality cupcake specialties and other baked goods that appeal to adults, kids and those with special dietary requirements. BabyCakes Baking Company is located at 24205 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance.

With a belief in giving back, BabyCakes focuses on creating meaningful partnerships with local schools, the Volunteer Center, Torrance Chamber of Commerce, Adia Health Care Services, and other organizations, in an effort to make a lasting and positive impact on the surrounding community. Involvement in community activities and local collaborative efforts is part of the criteria considered for ShopLocal’s grant awards program.

Those considering applying for the Small Indie Business Grant Awards must be an independently-owned retail or service business, based in the South Bay (Los Angeles), with fewer than 10 employees, and like Khryste Langlais of BabyCakes Baking Company, actively involved in the community.

About Shop Local

ShopLocal.us is dedicated to building the economy by boosting the visibility and profitability of small independent businesses through advocacy and grassroots publicity. ShopLocal.us helps connect people and local independent businesses in the marketplace. Businesses displaying the Certified Locally Owned designation have been recognized for their positive impact on the local economy, job creation, quality of life and diversity of choice. Buyers can feel confident that businesses bearing this designation operate in ways that support healthy, wealthy and vibrant communities.

Learn more at http://shoplocal.us/grant/ and  http://shoplocal.us/south-bay-business-mavericks/

To schedule an interview with Founder Heidi Butzine, please contact her directly at 310-308-0796 or Heidi@ShopLocal.us.