10KSB Gives Business Owner Confidence To Scale Business

Tamara Mlynowski, owner of ZuZu Chocolates, took revenue to the next level

Tamara Mlynowski wanted to shift her focus to working "on" her business rather than working "in" it.

That distinction isn't novel to small business owners. With the help of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®), Mlynowski gained the business education, networking and confidence to transform her company, ZuZu Chocolates.

Since completing the program, the growing company of 10 has thrived, allowing Mlynowski to step back from daily kitchen operations and focus on broader business strategies and expansion plans.

The business has expanded its reach to 176 ZIP codes in the Greater Cleveland area, built its own dedicated delivery infrastructure, and achieved a remarkable milestone of $30,000 in monthly revenue — a growth of over 20% in mere months.

Based in Westlake, ZuZu Chocolates has become a beacon of both entrepreneurial success and community commitment. The family-owned shop is a proud partner of the Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Chapter. Since 2019, it has donated more than $75,000 to the fight against Alzheimer's, with no plans to stop.

"ZuZu is named after my mom. After a 15-year battle, we lost her in 2024 to this horrible disease," Mlynowski said.

As part of the 10KSB program, ZuZu Chocolates has enhanced its offerings through a national partnership, managing various divisions of the company’s chocolate and confectionery products. They have also expanded to a new location, increasing their space from 930 square feet to over 2,500 square feet. In addition to their exquisite chocolates, ZuZu Chocolates now offers items such as espresso and gelato. It also hosts private parties.

Mlynowski knew the program could help take ZuZu Chocolates to the next level. Her brother is a 10KSB alum, and she's seen the impact on his business growth.

"10KSB gave us the confidence to go to the next level with our partnership and helped grow our team," she said.

Learn more on Tri-C's Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses web page. 

February 21, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu