When Shannon Costello and her husband Ryan launched Groovy Goat Farm Co. in Ingonish, many people were skeptical. What began as a small hobby raising goats and experimenting with handmade soap, has grown into a thriving rural business, supported at key stages by Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) North Side.
Groovy Goat Farm Co. started with goat’s milk soap made in small batches at home. Encouraged by strong customer feedback, Shannon and Ryan expanded their product line to include lotions, lip balms, shampoo bars, bath bombs, and other natural body care products. As demand increased, they began exploring opportunities to scale the business.
In 2013, the Costellos opened their first storefront with financial support from CBDC. Since then, CBDC has played an ongoing role in the business’s development, working with the owners at multiple stages of growth and expansion. “CBDC has been with us all along,” Shannon says. “We’ve worked with them three separate times over the life of our business. They believed in our idea and supported it.”
That partnership continued in 2017, when CBDC provided financing to help Groovy Goat expand with the construction of a new barn. Following a devastating barn fire in 2021 that destroyed the facility and livestock, the Costellos faced significant challenges. As the community rallied to help rebuild, CBDC remained a trusted partner, supporting the business’s recovery and future planning.
In 2023, Groovy Goat Farm Co. expanded again, opening a new storefront that includes a soap shop, gelato counter, production kitchens, and on-site accommodations. Today, the business offers farm tours, educational experiences, and agri-tourism opportunities, with additional expansion planned.
With continued support from Community Futures through CBDC, Groovy Goat Farm Co. stands as a strong example of how rural businesses can grow, adapt, and succeed with the right financial and advisory support.