Moonworks President Jim Moon found business opportunity in the gutter. more

“It was one of those funny moments,” recalled Davide Dukcevich, one of the third generation of family members to lead Burrilville-based Daniele Inc., producers of gourmet charcuterie, or cured meat products. more

While new construction has yet to recover from the end of the real estate bubble, home improvement is thriving for companies like Woonsocket’s Moonworks that have the skills and reputation to attract new clients. President Jim Moon, pictured above, started the company in 1993 with a single product, gutter guards. He’s since grown the firm, which now employs 90, and its services. Moonworks also does roofs, installs replacement windows and, most recently, energy-efficiency retrofits. Gutters, however, are still the main product, accounting for roughly half of current sales. more

By all accounts, David Levesque is a successful entrepreneur. His company, Brewed Awakenings CoffeeHouse, was founded in 1996 and has since grown into a four-store, 102-employee business with about $4.5 million in annual sales. But by his own admission, he may not be where he is today without the input of two strong female voices – his mother, Kay, and his wife and Brewed Awakenings co-owner, Natalie. Their advice has ranged from menu suggestions to customer engagement, two things that have been the backbone of Brewed Awakenings’ success. “We really care about the customers. That’s what’s made us successful,” he said. more

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick has requested federal relief for small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by the Boston Marathon bombing that occurred April 15. more

When it comes to using technology, one thing is clear: Small businesses that embrace it are growing faster than those that don’t. From mobile applications to social media, and cloud computing to data management, “new” ways of doing business centered around technology are taking hold and becoming the norm for millions of small and mid-sized firms nationwide. more

PROVIDENCE – Rep. Mia A. Ackerman, D-Cumberland, has introduced a bill on behalf of Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts that would create a tax credit for small employers that implement a wellness program for employees. more

Former nightclub owner Barry Blair is trying his hand at a new gig, entrepreneur. The one-time owner of Barry’s Nightclub in Warwick is pitching the Prep N’ Pop, the sole product being sold under the Doodads LLC brand that Blair began in 2007. The kitchen utensil peels a potato hands-free and then pops the potato out of its cylinder. He says he has sold tens of thousands of the utensils on QVC, where it retails for $17.25. Prep N’ Pop recently made its retail debut at the East Side Marketplace, which is serving as sort of a test run for larger grocery-store chains. more

The South Eastern Economic Development Corp. is offering low rates on loans for small businesses. more