Securing financing was key to Zabinski Music Studio’s success. Learn how securing financing with RISBDC turned their vision into reality.
Building a Business—and a Home—for
Music: Zabinski Sisters Find Funding
Success with the RISBDC
When sisters Rebekah and Esther Zabinski lost the space that housed their growing music studio, the future of their business was suddenly uncertain. A condemned building forced them to downsize quickly into a temporary church rental. Faced with the limitations of the smaller space and eager to build something lasting, they made a bold decision: to buy a property and create a permanent home for Zabinski Music Studio.
But like many small business owners, they quickly discovered that securing
financing would not be simple.
The Challenge: Financing a Future from Shrinking Numbers
“On paper, it looked like we were doing poorly and getting worse,” Esther shared. The numbers reflected a business in retreat—downsized location, declining revenue from the disruption, and no cushion for mistakes. “We were in emergency funding mode,” Rebekah explained, noting that traditional lenders weren’t interested in the story behind the numbers. Pam found a bank willing to look at our projections, not our past.
That “Pam” is Pam LeBreche, a business counselor with the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC), and the turning point in the Zabinskis’ journey.
Before connecting with Pam, Rebekah and Esther explored every avenue they could think of: personal contacts, a helpful real estate parent from their student base, a bank doing SBA lending, they even attempted to cobble together private funding from friends and family. But nothing panned out.
Then Pam called back.
The RISBDC Difference: Finding the Right Partner
What made the difference this time wasn’t just access to resources—it was having a trusted, experienced advocate guiding them every step of the way.
“Pam knew who to pair us with,” said Rebekah. “She came from a history of finance and could be sympathetic to our story.” The RISBDC approach wasn’t about applying pressure. It was about crafting a story that reflected both vision and viability—and making sure the right people heard it.
“She was that perfect consultant,” Rebekah said. Every time the bank had a question, Pam was already on the phone, ready to support and translate the business needs into language then lenders could understand.
The Results: Community, Credibility, and Confidence
The result? Success. With Pam’s help and RISBDC guidance, the Zabinskis were
securing financing needed to purchase and renovate a building in Pawtucket,
Rhode Island—transforming it into a vibrant, purpose-built music studio.
The new space opened on July 1, 2025 just months after their funding came through. The community, clients, and students rallied around the news. “Over 80% of the clients stayed with us as long as we had a place to be,” Esther recalled. “They loved the fact that it’s the studio’s space. It was put together specifically for us.”
The impact rippled out quickly. “Most of our growth is word of mouth. They have that sense of community and ownership,” said Rebekah. Parents and students were thrilled to see the transformation, and the business now thrives in a space designed for sound, creativity, and community.
Lessons Learned: Find the Right Guide
Looking back, Rebekah is clear on what made the biggest difference: “The partner is crucial. Don’t just go to the bank.”
Without the right help, the Zabinskis likely would have relied on private
funding—costly, risky, and limited. “It would have been super stressful,” and given the sisters limited cash. “There’s no way every business owner can know everything they need to know.”
She added, “I don’t think I can give enough credit to Pam. She’s a connector.”
Advice to Other Small Business Owners
To other Rhode Island entrepreneurs, especially those hesitant to seek funding,
Esther offers this encouragement: “Don’t be nervous, just get a friend like Pam. No is not the end of the world… just because one person says no doesn’t mean someone else will.”
The RISBDC’s network, including consultants, lenders, and local programs like
Pawtucket’s special loan fund, provided access and advocacy the Zabinskis didn’t even know existed. With RISBDC’s support, their music studio isn’t just surviving—it’s flourishing.
Want to see what’s possible for your Rhode Island small business?
Connect with the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center for no-cost,
personalized guidance to help you navigate funding, growth, and long-term success.
Contact us today to meet with an advisor and write your own success story.
