Hartling Consulting expands: Local business benefits from grant funding
by Mark Jahne
Editor
Judy Hartling owns and operates a one-woman communications firm. The local resident recently expanded her offerings thanks to grant funding.
The Women’s Business Development Council awarded her company a $10,000 Ignite Grant.
“It’s a boutique communication, public relations and social media firm that mostly serves small businesses and nonprofits,” she said.
These funds will allow the company to purchase equipment and add photography, short-form video and digital storytelling to its existing writing, public relations, media coaching and social media services.
WBDC grants are designed to help women-owned businesses grow, innovate and develop new revenue streams. She is the owner and principal consultant for the company.
“I began my career as a photojournalist and the Ignite Grant allows my company to leverage those skills to offer a fully integrated storytelling experience with strong visual assets,” Hartling said.
“WBDC is a great organization,” she added.
“Small businesses and nonprofits often have limited access to high-quality photo and video content that aligns with their goals, audiences and brand voice. Thanks to WBDC’s support we can now provide those services at an affordable price.”
She can now offer her clients social media videos – including reels and other short-form content – interview-style video segments, and visual assets for websites, press kits and campaigns. The grant also comes with benefits such as mentoring, businesses coaching and access to WBCD classes.
Hartling Consulting serves small businesses, nonprofits, large communication teams and community leaders throughout New England. She enjoys working with the Rocky Hill Congregational Church and Pastor David Figliuzzi, who was a colleague when they both worked for CIGNA insurance.
“I was the director of the CIGNA Foundation. Judy was part of the communication team,” Figliuzzi said.
He was impressed with her work, so when he changed careers and became a pastor in Rocky Hill, he reached out to her expertise for help and told the congregation the church would benefit from a higher profile.
“I know someone who can amplify our story for us. She knows how to tell a story. She has managed our social media accounts,” he said.
That social media presence has enjoyed what he called astronomic growth
.
“The church is one of my big clients. I enjoy working with them,” she said.
Hartling’s experience includes news reporter and communications for CIGNA’s organ tissue transplant unit.
“I did a lot with their corporate and social responsibility,” she said.
CIGNA offered her a buyout and she accepted.
“I took a couple of online classes and put it out there that I was looking for work,” she said.
She quickly found a job and gained clients. Now 58 years old, she decided to launch her consulting business in March 2021.
“I decided to go back to my roots” including photography and videography. It’s all about helping her clients to tell their stories and complete the picture.
“You want all of it working together,” she said.
Thanks to the grant, she is looking forward to growing her business. RHL
Hartling Consulting can be reached at 860-798-9014 or visit hartlingconsulting.com.