Why Small Businesses Matter in Bethel: OLIDA Learning

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

Meet Debra Desmarais, Senior Partner at OLIDA Learning.

Why did you start your business?

OLIDA Learning was established in 2020 as a response to the need for special education high school students to meet educational and life skills requirements for graduation. Our goal is to fill the gap in resources for this greatly overlooked community.

What is your best-selling product/service?

Our team is looking for teens and young adults with an IEP or 504 Plan to test-pilot our course titled “Your Guide to Self-Advocacy” at no cost in exchange for student feedback. Contact OLIDA Learning for more information.

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them? 

As a resident of Bethel, our family frequents local businesses for all our consumer needs. We strongly believe in supporting local small businesses. Some of these include Byrd’s Books, The Toy Room, Pink Lemon, and Dr. Mike’s - to name a few.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

Our vision for OLIDA Learning is to create a helpful and supportive resource for teens and young adults with disabilities along with their family members, teachers and special educational professionals.

Learn more about OLIDA Learning by visiting their website https://olida-learning.com/ and follow along on Facebook here and Instagram here.

 HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!