Small businesses, big ambitions: Scale90 launches in New York

Helping small businesses grow in competitive markets is the focus of Scale90, a New York-based company that was launched on October 1. Its principals are Daren Hawthorne, Derrick Gamble and Jae Sims, all of whom have experience working with micro companies in management or advisory roles. Hawthorne, chief executive officer (CEO) of Scale90, spoke about the fledgling organisation’s immediate goals in an interview with

Observer Online

. “Our primary objective is to help entrepreneurs turn their ambitions into businesses that can grow beyond their constant personal involvement. Many owners have the drive and a strong product or service, but need better processes, clearer priorities and more consistent follow-through,” he said. “Scale90 connects five business engines: sales, growth, operations, finance and technology. We bring together strategy, practical education, accountability and technology to help owners strengthen those areas and make them work together,” Hawthorne added. “The goal is to give entrepreneurs greater control over their businesses and a practical path from planning to execution.” Gamble is Scale90’s chief marketing officer, while Sims’ role is chief operating officer. The New York-born Hawthorne has first-hand experience of a business making the leap from community base to national level. His Jamaican father, Lowell Hawthorne, founded Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant in The Bronx, New York in 1987. What started as an eatery serving popular Jamaican items such as curried goat, patties and pastries became a booming franchise that currently has over 100 restaurants in the United States. Hawthorne and his business partners are looking for similar success with prospective clients. “Our ideal client has a valuable product or service but needs help building the business around it. They may struggle with inconsistent marketing, customer follow-up, financial visibility or having every task return to them,” he noted. “We help those owners create the structure and capacity to move forward.” Another bloc Scale90 has its sights on is Jamaica and its diaspora. Those sectors have produced many success stories, especially restaurants and record companies in the New York City boroughs of The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. South Florida and Toronto are also home to thriving Jamaican businesses which started small. “Yes, the Jamaican diaspora is an audience we want to reach, alongside entrepreneurs in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. As someone with Jamaican roots and citizenship, I have a personal connection to that ambition,” said Hawthorne. “Our offering is open to entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. Within that broader mission, we see an opportunity to help Jamaican business owners at home and abroad strengthen their operations and prepare for growth.”