Seattle Sorbets’ Business is Sweeter Thanks to SBIC Grant and Training

Company Profile

Seattle Sorbets is a family-run business located in the heart of West Seattle. Founded by Claiborne Bell’s parents in 2008, Bell joined in 2009 after graduating and has been crafting flavors like Mango Sunrise, Blueberry Zinfandel, and Tequila Lime ever since.

Bell received a Small Business Innovation Fund (SBIF) grant, a growth program for underserved Washington State manufacturing enterprises, including rural-based businesses. Selected recipients receive up to eight hours of consulting and training — a $24,000 value.

Thanks to the funding and training, Seattle Sorbets now has a clear roadmap for growth.

Situation

Bell was splitting his time between two companies — Distinguished Foods LLC and Seattle Sorbets, with most of his time spent on landlord duties.

Despite loyal customers, Seattle Sorbets was still a “well-kept” secret. The SBIF grant gave Bell the insight, structure, and tools to elevate the brand.

Working with Solutions Consult, he began strategizing, training, and implementing new systems, with time management as a core focus.

Solution

The work began by clarifying the company vision.

Next came learning not just how to make money, but how to make money work for him.

Training covered:

• Turning profits into growth opportunities
• Strengthening policies, procedures, branding, and communication
• Understanding balance sheets and P&L reports
• Hiring a bookkeeper and tracking material costs and profit

To make Seattle Sorbets a household name, branding and marketing were high priorities — from refining messaging to using social media and targeting the right audience. Delegation became essential, along with exploring continued learning, securing training grants, and building partnerships with schools for future talent.

Results

• Increased/Retained Sales: $2,000
• Jobs Created/Retained: 1
• Increased Investments: $4,000
• Cost Savings/Avoided Investment: $9,000

Seattle Sorbets gained stronger operations, a focused growth plan, and new marketing strategies to reach more customers. On a personal level, Bell built confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.