Article by FairfieldCT.org
August 1st 2018
Candlewood Market
The Fairfield Department of Community & Economic Development is pleased to announce its latest micro-enterprise assistance grant awarded to Candlewood Market, located within the Fairfield Sportsplex at 85 Mill Plain Road. The grant will enable Candlewood Market to purchase new equipment and cover other eligible costs related to this new business venture.
Candlewood Market is an independent, family-owned and operated coffee and tea emporium. Located within the popular Fairfield Sportsplex, owner Tony Inzero serves up his own unique blend of coffee, which is roasted in Brookfield, where he has operated a coffee roasting business for the past twelve years. A graduate of Newtown High School, Tony owned a small coffee shop in Colorado for three years before relocating back to Connecticut. Along with traditional coffee beverages, Candlewood Market is known for Kombuchas as well as a Nitro Bar dispensing Cold Brew coffees and teas. Candlewood Market also features specialty “grab & go” prepared foods, bakery items and unique gifts.
The Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is intended to provide entrepreneurs with training, technical assistance, and startup capital in order to create and sustain viable and productive small businesses in Fairfield. The program seeks to strengthen and enhance these small businesses, with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a recognized form of commercial enterprise that employs five or fewer employees, have its primary operations in Fairfield, and current on all tax obligations. Since the inception of the program, the Town has assisted more than fifty small businesses.
“We are thrilled to welcome Candlewood Market to Fairfield and delighted to provide a small grant to help get them started,” stated Mark Barnhart, Director of the Department of Community & Economic Development. “Small businesses such as Candlewood Market are the backbone of our economy, and the Micro-Enterprise Program has been a very useful tool in our small business development strategy,” he added. Owner Tony Inzero remarked, “We’re happy to be in Fairfield and with the welcome that we have received from the Town. My family and I look forward to providing great coffee and exceptional service to the Fairfield community for many years to come.”