Mayville Restaurant Owner Earns State Honor

State and area representatives surround Rebecca Magnuson, owner of She Sings Cafe, in center, for earning the New York State Phoenix Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The New York Small Business Development Center presented the New York State Phoenix Entrepreneur of the Year award to Rebecca Magnuson, owner of She Sings Cafe in Mayville, New York.

The New York State Phoenix Entrepreneur of the Year award is presented to a business owner whose efforts have enabled their business to open successfully and thrive and its contribution to the strength of the region.

More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

Magnuson is an abuse survivor, talented musician, and savvy business owner. She returned home to Chautauqua, purchased a defunct restaurant and after extensive renovations opened She Sings Cafe in Mayville.

Her mission is to tell women’s stories through education, healing, and empowerment. She provides employment opportunities to abused women in her business. The cafe feeds body, mind, and soul with farm to table cuisine and provides a live performance venue for music, storytelling, poetry, and comedy. She is the creator of a soon-to-be-released documentary, “She Sings: Surviving the Narcissist,” and also the touring show, “She Sings: A Soaring Musical.”

The SBDC is honored to work with the small business community in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany County.

According to SBDC Director, Courtney Curatolo, “We are honored to have one of our local businesses recognized by the state for their tremendous efforts they put into opening their business, creating jobs, and being a leader in the community.”

Sonya Smith, New York SBDC State Director shared, “The NYSBDC proudly recognizes entrepreneurs and business owners, annually across New York State. The Phoenix Award is presented to a business owner who demonstrates exceptional selflessness, ingenuity, and tenacity in rebuilding their communities. We are delighted to present this year’s award to an extraordinary entrepreneur from Mayville, New York. Rebecca Magnuson has made remarkable strides in both social and economic impact.

Our honoree is a beacon of hope and innovation, dedicating her efforts to the establishment of a shelter for abused women, addressing a critical need within the community. Her visionary approach extends beyond a mere shelter facility but ensuring long-term sustainability and support for those in need.”

The SBDC delivers high quality business counseling and training to clients looking to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business. Services are free and confidential. For more information on we can help you start or grow your business, please reach out to us at 716-338-1024 or www.sbdcjcc.org.