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n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m | M a y 2 0 2 2 | n e w h a v e n B I Z 27 INDUSTRY: Business Services TOP EXECUTIVE: Candace Freedenberg, Founder HEADQUARTERS: Hartford WEBSITE: www.UPotential.org Q&A talks to Untapped Potential Inc. Founder Candace Freedenberg. The organization offers services that help women return to work after caregiving, including networking and mentoring. Untapped Potential also hosts events, such as return- to-work client/candidate speed interviews, matching market-ready talent to workplace demands for a placement fee. How did you get into this business? What motivated you? Do you know a smart mom focused on family, yet un-engaged in the workplace? Motivated by the potential of such 'idle talent,' I valued caregiving yet sought to untap this group's potential in a flexible way. Bias and barriers of a fixed workplace sidelined this group beyond their caregiving years. Describe your target customer. Our model targets companies and candidates. Companies include business clients from entrepreneurs to corporate leaders who benefit from top talent and Untapped Potential Inc.'s unique onboarding model. Candidates include educated and experienced professionals needing flexibility now or transitional support to return to their caliber following caregiving (mothers returning to work). Looking into the future five years, where do you see your business? Our goal is to grow our platform to serve communities nationwide. What has been your biggest accomplishment? Is there anything that you would change or do differently? I get the most satisfaction out of returning women to their high- caliber professions via this new mode. We receive appreciation from each individual candidate. It is a validation that entrenched traditions in the workplace can be overcome. Can you tell us a little bit about the culture of your business? We commit to a bold goal of equity in the workplace. We value the difference our candidates made as caregivers and the difference each can make in business. Our team's motto: 'Everything is figure-outable.' WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Untapped Potential Inc. INDUSTRY: Book store/cafe TOP EXECUTIVE: Charlie J. Negaro HEADQUARTERS: New Haven WEBSITE: atticusnhv.com Atticus Bookstore & Cafe operates a bookstore and cafe on Chapel Street in New Haven. Charles Negaro opened Atticus in 1974 initially as a used bookstore on the first floor of the Yale Center for British Art. His son Charlie J. Negaro now oversees the business, which employs 30 full- time and 20 part-time workers. Can you describe the products you sell? Thoughtful books and gifts, specialty groceries, baked goods with locally-sourced ingredients. Looking into the future five years, where do you see your business? We hope to open complementary Atticus concepts here in New Haven. Our recent addition of pizza to our menu has been well- received by our customers. What has been your biggest accomplishment? Staying in business for over 40 years and providing jobs to many New Haveners. Can you tell us a little bit about the culture of your business? We strive to be a responsible business for all of our stakeholders. Our sister business Chabaso is currently finishing up its B Corp certification, and we plan to pursue a similar path to help strengthen our commitment to our workers, community and environment. How have you handled strategic change in your business in the past? A huge example is how COVID motivated us to pivot away from opening a full-service restaurant to instead opening a specialty grocery store in the East Rock neighborhood. What advice would you give to other small businesses, especially during this difficult time? Being committed to the people in your city can be a strategic advantage for partnerships, hiring, and other factors, and can contribute to the longevity of your business. FAMILY-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Atticus Bookstore & Cafe

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