After 11 years of growing her business, Doreen Zayer of Relax on Cloud Nine will be one of three businesses inducted into the New York State Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) Hall of Fame on June 20 in Albany.

Her quest to become a successful businessperson began in November 1994, when Zayer first visited the College of Staten Island’s (CSI) SBDC seeking to develop a business plan and get direction on obtaining financing. With the assistance of CSI’s SBDC, Zayer opened her massage therapy practice at the Staten Island Mall in 1995.

In 1998, Ms. Zayer obtained financing to complete extensive renovations to her home on Clove Road and bring her business operations to the ground floor. With the move, her business evolved from massage therapy into a full service spa.

Continued consultation with CSI’s SBDC helped her business steadily grow in several areas including finances, marketing, management and human resources. In May 2002 she opened a second massage and health improvement facility at the Hilton Garden Inn. Late last year major renovations at the Clove Road location began again, this time converting the additional space into expanded spa facilities. Both locations currently offer body treatments, massages, facials, hydrotherapy, yoga classes, and many additional services.

Acknowledging the assistance she received from the CSI SBDC, Zayer today generously shares her successful entrepreneurial experience with fellow business owners at monthly business roundtables sponsored by the CSI SBDC.

Relax on Cloud Nine joins a select group of 35 small businesses in New York State that have been inducted into the SBDC Hall of Fame for their outstanding vision, persistence, ingenuity, and innovation. The SBDC has assisted businesses statewide via its network of 23 regional centers for the last 22 years. It is administered by the State University of New York and its educational partners, and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration

CSI’s SBDC offers free business counseling, financial planning, and marketing services to New York state residents. Since 1993, it has helped create over 2,600 local jobs, assisted over 3,700 businesses, and helped businesses invest $85 million locally.

Dean L. Balsamini, director of the Staten Island SBDC says: “Ms. Zayer is a high energy, focused entrepreneur who has expertly managed to balance her home life and parenting young children while running a successful business.”