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eMacomb - Spotlight on Business, Fall 2011
Incredible Edibles
Move over “Cake Boss,” Macomb County has a new baker in town and her creations rival yours!
Lynnie B’s Incredible Edibles will soon open its first-ever storefront in Roseville thanks to Roseville’s REDI program and assistance offered in developing a solid business plan by our Susan Bates, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) certified consultant.
Lynn Biliti worked for 33 years as a human resources professional. When her job with a national retailer was suddenly eliminated in January 2009, she found herself unemployed and unable to find work.
As her children were growing up, Lynn was known for the masterful cakes she created to celebrate birthdays and holidays. When a friend asked her to create a special cake to celebrate his milestone birthday, she balked. “He was persistent. He wanted a replica of Comerica Park and wanted me to do it.”
She reluctantly agreed and when the cake was unveiled, the host refused to cut into it! Knowing that his guests would enjoy the delicious cake underneath the elaborate design, Lynn took matters into her own hand and quickly doled out slices to appreciative partygoers.
“We eat with our eyes so appearance is an important wow factor,” she says, “but taste, texture and moistness are important too. My cakes look good but they taste even better!”
Before she knew it, requests for other special cakes began to pour in and Biliti began to wonder if opening her own shop, with ample room for building her cakes, was a viable option. She happened to be in Roseville City Hall inquiring about a building when she decided to wander over to Community and Economic Development to see what type of assistance they might offer.
She hit the jackpot. Mike Connors, Community and Economic Development Administrator, provided information about the city’s newly developed REDI program. With funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program offers start-up financing assistance for businesses in the city.
As part of the program requirements, Biliti was required to participate in entrepreneur classes like the ones offered by our SBTDC. Biliti worked closely with Bates to fine-tune her business plan. “Susan was awesome. She really helped me to see where I was providing too much information and where my plan was lacking. I feel pretty confident that I have a blueprint for success in place.”
Lynnie B’s Incredible Edibles, located at 15680 13 Mile Road (2 blocks east of Hayes), is scheduled to open in mid-November. Aside from fanciful cakes, it will also offer 15 flavors of cupcakes daily, a complete line of sugar-free baked goods, penny candy as well as hard-to-find cake decorating supplies include icing and fillings by the pound.
“I know better than to put all my eggs into one basket,” laughs Biliti. “This store will offer something wonderful for everyone.”
REDI in Roseville
Roseville’s Economic Development Initiative - REDI program is currently accepting applications.
Call 586 445-5423 for more information.