Francheska Velazquez
Play to Learn Childcare
The Backstory
Laurie Surprenant and Amy Kenkel were both deeply immersed in their respective corporate careers before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Laurie had a background in certified manufacturing and had reached an executive level in supply chain management, while Amy had spent years in hospitality, serving as the general manager of multiple hotels. At a crossroads in her career, Amy decided it was time for a change.
The turning point came when Amy called Laurie one day to tell her she had quit her job, signaling the beginning of their new journey. Laurie, still working full-time at the time, soon joined Amy in making their entrepreneurial dream a reality.
In 2008, the two women opened Leaps and Bones in South Windsor, Connecticut, a pet business offering, high-quality pet treats and products, many of which are homemade. They serve customers across the state and have built a reputation for their commitment to quality and community. “We started this business on a napkin, in a car, and haven’t stopped dreaming and finding ways to expand and support our community,” Amy reflects.
The turning point came when Amy called Laurie one day to tell her she had quit her job, signaling the beginning of their new journey. Laurie, still working full-time at the time, soon joined Amy in making their entrepreneurial dream a reality.
In 2008, the two women opened Leaps and Bones in South Windsor, Connecticut, a pet business offering, high-quality pet treats and products, many of which are homemade. They serve customers across the state and have built a reputation for their commitment to quality and community. “We started this business on a napkin, in a car, and haven’t stopped dreaming and finding ways to expand and support our community,” Amy reflects.
How Women's Business Development Council Helped
When Laurie was researching grants for women-owned businesses, she discovered the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). Laurie and Amy applied for an Ignite (formerly Equity Match Grant) and were awarded the grant in April 2022. With the funds, they purchased new refrigeration equipment to support the expansion of their bakery, moving the main baking operations from the small 200 sq. ft. kitchen in their South Windsor store to a spacious 2,300 sq. ft. facility. The grant came at a crucial time—just as the bank they had been working with informed them they could not fund their expansion.
“Without WBDC giving us our first grant in 15 years of business, our expansion efforts would have stalled,” Laurie shares. “As women entrepreneurs, funding can be difficult. This grant provides opportunities for women like us to continue to achieve our goals. When we got the phone call from WBDC, we were both almost in tears. It was pure elation, knowing someone believed in us… we were beyond the moon.”
Laurie encourages other women entrepreneurs to apply for the WBDC grant, stressing the importance of having financials in order and approaching the process with confidence. “The application process is simple and accessible,” she adds. “And since it’s specifically for women in Connecticut, you’re not competing against a nationwide pool of applicants. It’s an empowering opportunity for women in the state to run their businesses. “SinceSince receiving the grant, Laurie and Amy have expanded further, opening a second location, Leaps and Bones Too, in Southington, in addition to opening their dog bakery in Manchester.
They were also among the first recipients of WBDC’s Accelerate Grant in October 2024. The Accelerate Grant is available to previous Ignite Grant recipients who have had the funds for at least 12 months and can show measurable impact from the grant on their business. With the Accelerate funds, Laurie and Amy plan to introduce a self-serve dog grooming station at their Southington location.
“Without WBDC giving us our first grant in 15 years of business, our expansion efforts would have stalled,” Laurie shares. “As women entrepreneurs, funding can be difficult. This grant provides opportunities for women like us to continue to achieve our goals. When we got the phone call from WBDC, we were both almost in tears. It was pure elation, knowing someone believed in us… we were beyond the moon.”
Laurie encourages other women entrepreneurs to apply for the WBDC grant, stressing the importance of having financials in order and approaching the process with confidence. “The application process is simple and accessible,” she adds. “And since it’s specifically for women in Connecticut, you’re not competing against a nationwide pool of applicants. It’s an empowering opportunity for women in the state to run their businesses. “SinceSince receiving the grant, Laurie and Amy have expanded further, opening a second location, Leaps and Bones Too, in Southington, in addition to opening their dog bakery in Manchester.
They were also among the first recipients of WBDC’s Accelerate Grant in October 2024. The Accelerate Grant is available to previous Ignite Grant recipients who have had the funds for at least 12 months and can show measurable impact from the grant on their business. With the Accelerate funds, Laurie and Amy plan to introduce a self-serve dog grooming station at their Southington location.
Website
Location
81 Evergreen Way, South Windsor, CT 06074
lsurprenant@leapsandbones.com, akenkel@leapsandbones.com
Contact Phone
877-422-1614