May 6th, 2022
Also announces partnership between Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) and Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC).
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Congressman Joe Morelle today recognized Steven Olschewski, owner of Clubhouse Fun Center in Henrietta and Greece, as the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) New York State Small Business Person of the Year. The announcement came as part of National Small Business Week.
“As a hard-working entrepreneur who has achieved great success with Clubhouse Fun Center, Steven Olschewski is the embodiment of the American Dream,” said County Executive Bello. “Small business owners like Steven are the bedrock of our economy and our community. I congratulate him for achieving the distinction of being honored as the New York State Small Business Person of the Year.”
The SBA’s signature award is presented to nominees from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam who demonstrate success in business as well as contributions to their local communities. National Small Business Week’s theme for 2022 is “Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship.”
Olschewski, of Spencerport, started his own vending business in 1996. In 2002, he and his wife Marsina — both first-generation Americans — founded Big Boy Entertainment, LLC and purchased a former Putt-Putt Fun Center in Henrietta, where Steven had worked as a teen. They renamed the location Clubhouse Fun Center and in 2018 purchased another former Putt-Putt location in Greece and opened their second Clubhouse Fun Center.
Clubhouse Fun Centers offer wholesome and affordable family entertainment including go-karts, bumper cars, mini golf, arcade games and refreshments. Despite significant setbacks during pandemic-related shutdowns, the Olschewski’s business rebounded and during 2021, his Clubhouse Fun Centers had their best year yet.
SBA Buffalo District Director Franklin J. Sciortino hailed Olschewski’s perseverance as an entrepreneur. “Small business owners like Steven are tough as nails. Their drive, determination and ability to take calculated risks while also tapping into a pool of resources available for help build a better economy in Western New York and we salute them during National Small Business Week. To all of our Award Winners, congratulations on such remarkable achievements, especially in the face of adversity,” Sciortino said.
Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC) assisted Olschewski in securing the $370,000 SBA 504 loan he used to expand his operations. Each year, MCIDC submits one nomination for National Small Business Week Small Business Person of the Year. This is the first year a MCIDC nominee won state honors.
MCIDC is a SBA Certified Development Corporation and facilitates the issuance of SBA 504 loans for the purchase of fixed assets by small businesses. SBA 504 loans provide long term financing at below market fixed rates and foster job growth within our community.
Through Monroe County Economic Development, Monroe County offers numerous programs specifically designed to help local startups and small businesses succeed, including procurement technical assistance, rebates for qualified manufacturing equipment purchases, SBA 504 assistance and gap loan financing. For more information, visit: monroecountybusiness.org.
Of note for small business owners: Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) and Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC) have joined forces to provide support to Monroe County’s business community. Recently, REDCO transferred its SBA 504 loan portfolio to MCIDC to streamline the SBA 504 experience. As a result of this transfer, all servicing requests and SBA reporting of former REDCO facilitated SBA 504 loans will now be handled by MCIDC.
For more information about REDCO, visit redcoroc.com.
