Black and White Cookie Company

Starting in 2002, entrepreneurs Joshua Auerbach and David Raphael developed a small, specialty kosher cookie-manufacturing business in Manhattan, selling original-style New York Black and White Cookies over the Internet.   In 2004, when they decided the time was right to expand their business and move it to Binghamton, they contacted the Binghamton SBDC at Binghamton University, asking the business professionals there for help in refining their business plan, locating a suitable production facility, and securing funding for site improvements, equipment, and supplies—estimated at approximately $500,000.  After almost 20 months of effort--including several unsuccessful real estate deals—The Black and White Cookie Company was fully equipped in its new location and began production in July 2006.  The principals also launched a serious marketing effort promoting their all-natural product.  As a result, they were interviewed on “ABC Money Matters” in April, and presented their products with great success at the NYC Fancy Food Show this past summer.    Now the company sells in both retail and wholesale venues, and offers cookies with custom logo (including the Binghamton University logo) and edible image cookies over the Internet, at www.blackandwhitecookies.com.   Employees include developmentally disabled individuals.  This year the company expects sales to reach a half-million dollars. Says  Auerbach, “Business Advisor Kenneth Homer and the SBDC worked with us over the long haul to achieve our goals.  They are professionals and know the keys to entrepreneurial success.”
   .