Wallingford Small Business Spotlight: RMD Biotech, LLC

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: RMD Biotech, LLC
Owners: Katherine Desy
Website: www.rmdbio.com
Address: 15 Newmarker Road, South Windsor, CT 06074 (house), only official for business documents and work space, no physical store, office or facility, Wallingford (HUBCAP) Incubator office space – 128 Center Street, Wallingford, CT, 06492.

How did you come up with the name?

I am working with two professors from the university I just graduated from (Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY) and collectively, our names make up RMD. And we’re a biotechnology start-up, so that part was easy!

Why start a business in this town?

I moved back home briefly after college while I was waiting to start my full-time job in Middletown, CT. I grew up and spent most of my life in South Windsor. For now, the SW location is just a place I work out of. Once we expand, I hope to stay in CT, but I doubt I’ll run a manufacturing plant out of my parent’s homeJ

What business are you in?

Biotechnology. Right now, we are working on commercializing a wound dressing technology that was developed at the university. Our goal is to use the technology in a variety of products to prevent widespread infection.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Funding! I knew biotech would be an expensive industry, but between start-up fees, laboratory and research fees, FDA fees, etc., we are collectively looking at a few hundred thousand dollars at least in this start-up round.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Winning multiple grants for our business concept. So far, I’ve won $7,500 in grant money for start-up fees. I am also now in contact with a manufacturer and with some other partners to get this business launched.

How does your business give back to the community?

Since I am in South Windsor, I plan to test and use the technology in the area. We will need to work with local hospitals to test the viability of the product, and we have a great network of medical professionals to tap into. Additionally, once this business is (hopefully) a success, my hope is to bring an entrepreneurship incubator back to SW. Small businesses are popping up everywhere and I would love to give back what others have given to me!

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.