Success Story: A Women Entrepreneur Who Used Community Investment to Grow

From a Pandemic Hobby to a Thriving Business

Sweet Almond founder Leah Cully raised $25,000 on Honeycomb Credit's investment crowdfunding platform.

Women entrepreneurs are powerful. We know what we want for our businesses - and we work hard to get it. When we need capital for growth, we often need to find newer options, and community investment is one place where we have equitable access. Traditional funding options often come with barriers, but you know that. Those barriers make alternative financing methods like crowdfunding a game-changer. Honeycomb Credit has been at the front lines of this movement, helping women-led businesses access the capital they need while strengthening deep connections with their communities.

The Impact of Community Investment on Women-Owned Small Businesses

Community investment allows small businesses to get funding from their biggest supporters—their customers and local community. The benefits of this funding model are huge. It builds brand loyalty and long-term customer relationships. Because your customers want you to succeed, and giving them the option to invest in you means you can grow sustainably without relying solely on traditional loans or venture capital.

Why Women Entrepreneurs Are Turning to This Funding Model

It’s the same story, and unfortunately, one we’ve heard over and over again. Women-owned businesses face challenges in securing funding, often receiving smaller loan amounts and fewer investment opportunities compared male-owned businesses. Community investment offers a way to bypass these barriers by tapping into a network of dedicated customers and supporters who believe in their business.

Honeycomb Credit’s Role in Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Honeycomb Credit has helped many women-led businesses access funding through community investment. By providing a streamlined platform for crowdfunding, Honeycomb enables women entrepreneurs to raise the capital they need while strengthening their connection with their local markets.

Success Story: Sweet Almond – Scaling a Small Business

Sweet Almond is a specialty bakery founded by Leah Culley, known for its high-quality French macarons. Like many of us, Leah took up baking during the pandemic to fill her time and mind. But she’s really good at it, and it quickly blossomed into a thriving business. Now Sweet Almond’s delicate, handcrafted macarons becoming a sought-after treat in Washington, D.C. They have even been featured at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria’s Cherry Blossom Tea!

As demand for Sweet Almond’s macarons grew, Leah saw an opportunity to expand but needed additional capital to scale effectively. Traditional funding options had challenges, so she turned to Honeycomb Credit to raise funds from her supportive customer base and community. She raised $25,000 from her investors. 

Sweet Almond invested in new equipment, hired additional staff, and increased marketing efforts. It also allowed the business to offer a wider variety of macaron flavors, enhance customer service, and improve overall production efficiency. Today, Sweet Almond is a proud member of the Union Kitchen Accelerator, solidifying its place as a premier macaron bakery in the region.

Key Takeaways for Women Entrepreneurs

Investment crowdfunding is a great way to raise capital—AND it’s a great way to create lasting connections with customers and build a resilient business. Here are some key lessons that other women entrepreneurs can apply to their own journeys.

• Crowdfunding is a viable alternative when traditional funding isn’t available.

  
  

• Engaging with the community builds long-term customer loyalty.

  
  

• The transparency of community investment builds trust and brand advocacy.

  
  

When customers invest in a business, they become more than consumers—they become stakeholders. This creates a deeper connection, repeat business, and word-of-mouth marketing that helps businesses thrive beyond the initial funding round. They literally are invested in your success - and it shows.

Final Thoughts

Now is the perfect time for women entrepreneurs to explore crowdfunding as a path to business growth. Community investment provides essential capital and also strengthens relationships with loyal customers.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, apply for funding through Honeycomb Credit today.