ADRIAN — Mandy Makes N’ Bakes, a bakery in downtown Adrian, was recently selected for the Hartford Small Business Accelerator Program presented by Main Street America. The business is owned by Mandy Andrews and her sister, Bree McPhail, with their father, Joe Mattausch, acting as their financial advisor.
Mandy Makes N’ Bakes is one of 30 small-scale producers selected nationally for the program.
“We’re proud to see Mandy Makes N’ Bakes selected for this competitive program,” said Darcy Gifford, chair of the Adrian Downtown Development Authority and Main Street board.
“One of the most valuable things a Main Street organization can do is connect local entrepreneurs with resources, training, and networks that help them grow,” Gifford continued. “This opportunity will provide Mandy with new tools and connections to strengthen her business, and we’re excited to see how that investment benefits both her business and downtown Adrian.”
Participants in the accelerator program will engage in virtual learning sessions, connect with fellow small business owners from across the country and gain access to resources through Main Street America’s Small Business Hub.
McPhail manages marketing, social media and sales for the bakery business. She looks forward to participating in the program, which features a series of one-hour, virtual sessions that last through the summer. The sessions will be with other businesses that were chosen for the program.
“This will be a great opportunity for me to figure out how to grow our business and learn more information about that,” she said. She hopes to learn some “tips and tricks” from other business owners on how they succeed and operate while keeping a personalized touch.
Mandy Makes N’ Bakes started with Andrews baking out of her home. She moved into downtown Adrian in 2024 as an order-only operation. In May of this year, she and McPhail opened the bakery shop, which features individual items, seating and beverages.
The bakery shop started with cake pops, cupcakes and cookies, and now offers cheesecake options and a different special weekly, as well as homemade, ready-to-go “last minute cakes.” Beverages include a “Dirty Soda” and cold-brewed coffee.
“It’s been shocking, the community support we’ve received, especially since expanding in May,” McPhail said.
“Our overall mission since moving into downtown is to revitalize the downtown,” she added.
The business was also recently selected for a Match on Main grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
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