Buono Jewelers honored as SBA New York Metro District Small Business Manufacturer of the Year

Celebrating Buono Jewelers being honored as SBA New York Metro District Small Business Manufacturer of the Year were: Staten Island Borough President, Vito Fossella; Staten Island SBDC Senior Certified Business Advisor, Joe Bottega; Donna Buonocore; Buono Jewelers founder, John Buonocore; Director of Case Management for Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, John Rinaudo; Buono Jewelers co-owner, John A. Buonocore; Representative for Assemblymen Michael Reilly and Sam Pirozzolo, Hanane Dbajat; Community Partnership Liaison of the Community Partnership Unit for Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Elizabeth Bianco; Staten Island SBDC Regional Director, Michael Anderson; Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Michael Tannoussis, Ian Yanda; and SBA Deputy District Director and New York District Director, Peter Fehnel.

For almost 30 years, Buono Jewelers has been a reliable go-to small business for Staten Island shoppers, as the Grasmere business designs and manufactures all its jewelry on-site. That hard work and dedication were rewarded on May 12 as Staten Island Small Business Development Center (SBDC) client Buono Jewelers was presented with the SBA New York Metro District Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award.

The Staten Island SBDC is hosted at the College of Staten Island, located in Building 3A, Room 105.

The event in the sparkling showroom, with glittering jewelry serving as the backdrop, saluted the outstanding work of the father-and-son team, John Buonocore and John A. Buonocore.

The elder Buonocore has been in the business of custom-crafting and designing jewelry, setting gems and precious stones, for almost 50 years. After 17 years in the business, he decided to become a small-business owner and opened Buono Jewelers in 1995. In 2000, he was joined by his son, John A.

“So how does this father-son duo maintain a small business on Staten Island for over 30 years? That’s easy. With honesty and reliability. Selling and manufacturing quality items. Leading a dedicated and courteous staff. Showcasing stellar customer service by treating each customer that walks through the door with dignity and respect and making sure they leave happy with their purchase,” said Staten Island SBDC Regional Director Michael Anderson. “And constantly finding ways to evolve, as evidenced by John Jr. becoming a GIA-certified gemmologist in 2010, which eventually led to the expansion of a bridal wing.”

The SBDC has been assisting Buono Jewelers since an initial consultation in 2016. The center has provided marketing assistance and encouraged them to develop business, disaster recovery, and succession plans.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Staten Island SBDC provided guidance and direction on where to apply for funding opportunities. Through those consultations, Buono Jewelers secured an EIDL Loan from the SBA and a PPP loan through a local lender. These loans enabled Buono Jewelers to save four jobs and ultimately reopen in June 2020.

Certified Business Advisor Joseph Bottega continues to provide small business advice and guidance. and nominated Buono Jewelers for the award while handling the application and kept in constant contact with SBA representatives.

“When it comes to manufactured and fine jewelry, Buono Jewelers has been a staple in the Staten Island community for over 30 years,” said Bottega.

As Peter Fehnel, SBA Deputy District Director and New York District Director, presented the Buonocores with their award, he cited their hard work and commitment to the Staten Island community.

“As you celebrate your story, your strength, and your success, I want to say thank you for your vision, thank you for your grit, and thank you for believing in your business and in the communities you serve. We have seen unprecedented resilience and recovery exemplified by our SBA New York Metro District Small Business Manufacturer of the Years,” said Fehnel.

John Buonocore choked back tears, saying thank you, while John A. Buonocore thanked everyone for all the kind words from his clients and for the future.

John Rinaudo, Director of Case Management for Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, presented the father and son with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

“It’s great to be here at this celebration of Buono Jewelers for your strong impact on the local economy and for being a staple in our community,” he said.

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella grew up in South Beach with Buoncocore and joked he came to the event for free diamond earrings.

“They say small businesses are the backbones of the community, and Buono Jewelers really embodies that. They take care of their customers. They treat people with a great deal of respect,” said Fossella. “I am not surprised they were recipients this year, and I wish them 30 more years of success.”

Ian Yanda, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Michael Tannoussis, presented and read a citation. Hanane Dbajat, representing Assemblymen Michael Reilly and Sam Pirozzolo, and Elizabeth Bianco, Community Partnership Liaison of the Community Partnership Unit for Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, and Jasmine Cardona, Executive Director of Economic Development & Community Partnerships at the College of Staten Island, also attended the event.

Staten Island SBDC client Sabina Shnaidman, founder of Sabina’s ExtraordinAir Inc., donated the wonderful balloon arrangement for the event.

“Special thanks to the SBA for recognizing Buono Jewelers' worthy candidacy and for coming to Staten Island to present this award in person. We also appreciate the support from our local politicians who continue to honor and assist the small business community here on Staten Island,” said Anderson.