NYBPC Student Stories: Craft Cannoli - From Plan to Plate

We’re promoting student entrepreneurship across New York State! Here is what one past NYBPC competitor has been doing since his competition year. 

Craft Cannoli: From Plan to Plate

Article by Gabriella A Czerw

Andrew Tocci, founder of Craft Cannoli, has taken great steps to grow his emerging business after he took part in the NYBPC in 2019. Craft Cannoli is a unique pastry business that offers custom and specialty cannolis. Some of his delicious flavors range from s’mores to peanut butter and jelly. Andrew’s business plan includes him opening a standalone cafe to sell his inspired confections.

 Andrew entered the plan for his business model into the Farmingdale State College Campus Business Plan Competition. He earned first place on his campus and advanced to the NYBPC’s Long Island Regional Business Plan Competition, but didn’t make it to the NYBPC Finals.

 This didn’t stop Andrew. He got to work. Within a few days of reaching out to local bakeries and restaurants, he secured a partnership with a recognized Long Island bagel shop owner. This gave Andrew the ability to make and distribute his branded cannolis at three bagel shops on Long Island. He also can take on catering orders and create his cannolis in a restaurant-grade kitchen that abides by New York State law for commercial food sale. 

 With this momentum, Andrew’s focus is to keep his business and his brand growing. In the following months, he started to file Craft Cannoli with New York State to become an LLC. Andrew also shared his story with the NYBPC programming and about how it afforded him and how he recognized the success he earned through the program. Great things are definitely on the horizon for Andrew and the Craft Cannoli team.                                             

The NYBPC is New York’s intercollegiate regional and statewide business plan competition. Since 2010, more than 5,000 students have participated in the NYBPC, more than 150 student-led ventures have been started and the NYBPC has seeded over $1M to companies that have gone on to raise over $60M in additional funding.