Securing financing was key to Zabinski Music Studio\u2019s success. Learn how securing financing with RISBDC turned their vision into reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But like many small business owners, they quickly discovered that securing \u201cOn paper, it looked like we were doing poorly and getting worse,\u201d Esther shared. The numbers reflected a business in retreat\u2014downsized location, declining revenue from the disruption, and no cushion for mistakes. \u201cWe were in emergency funding mode,\u201d Rebekah explained, noting that traditional lenders weren\u2019t interested in the story behind the numbers. Pam found a bank willing to look at our projections, not our past. That \u201cPam\u201d is Pam LeBreche<\/strong>, a business counselor with the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC), and the turning point in the Zabinskis\u2019 journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What made the difference this time wasn\u2019t just access to resources\u2014it was having a trusted, experienced advocate guiding them every step of the way. \u201cPam knew who to pair us with,\u201d said Rebekah. \u201cShe came from a history of finance and could be sympathetic to our story.\u201d The RISBDC approach wasn\u2019t about applying pressure. It was about crafting a story that reflected both vision and viability\u2014and making sure the right people heard it. \u201cShe was that perfect consultant,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The result? Success. With Pam\u2019s help and RISBDC guidance, the Zabinskis were The new space opened on July 1, 2025 just months after their funding came through. The community, clients, and students rallied around the news. \u201cOver 80% of the clients stayed with us as long as we had a place to be,\u201d Esther recalled. \u201cThey loved the fact that it\u2019s the studio\u2019s space. It was put together specifically for us.\u201d The impact rippled out quickly. \u201cMost of our growth is word of mouth. They have that sense of community and ownership,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking back, Rebekah is clear on what made the biggest difference: \u201cThe partner is crucial. Don\u2019t just go to the bank.\u201d Without the right help, the Zabinskis likely would have relied on private She added, \u201cI don\u2019t think I can give enough credit to Pam. She\u2019s a connector.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To other Rhode Island entrepreneurs, especially those hesitant to seek funding, The RISBDC\u2019s network, including consultants, lenders, and local programs like Want to see what\u2019s possible for your Rhode Island small business?<\/strong> Contact us today to meet with an advisor and write your own success story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Securing financing was key to Zabinski Music Studio\u2019s success. Learn how securing financing with RISBDC turned their vision into reality. Building a Business\u2014and a Home\u2014forMusic: Zabinski Sisters Find FundingSuccess 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. 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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.<\/strong>
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financing would not be simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Challenge: Financing a Future from Shrinking Numbers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe RISBDC Difference: Finding the Right Partner<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Results: Community, Credibility, and Confidenc<\/strong>e<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
securing financing needed to purchase and renovate a building in Pawtucket,
Rhode Island\u2014transforming it into a vibrant, purpose-built music studio.
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nLessons Learned: Find the Right Guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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funding\u2014costly, risky, and limited. \u201cIt would have been super stressful,\u201d and given the sisters limited cash. \u201cThere\u2019s no way every business owner can know everything they need to know.\u201d
<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdvice to Other Small Business Owners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Esther offers this encouragement: \u201cDon\u2019t be nervous, just get a friend like Pam. No is not the end of the world\u2026 just because one person says no doesn\u2019t mean someone else will.\u201d
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Pawtucket\u2019s special loan fund, provided access and advocacy the Zabinskis didn\u2019t even know existed. With RISBDC\u2019s support, their music studio isn\u2019t just surviving\u2014it\u2019s flourishing.
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Connect with the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center for no-cost,
personalized guidance to help you navigate funding, growth, and long-term success.
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