BLENDi
Winner of the 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year for
Massachusetts
Jonathan
Katz [photo] launched BLENDi with one goal:
to make healthy living more convenient for everyone, no matter where
they are.
In 2016, while still a student at
Springfield College, Jon saw the need for a portable blender that
didn’t require a plug—something powerful, sleek, and easy to use on
the go. With early design help from the University of Massachusetts
Amherst engineering students, Jon brought BLENDi to life—a 17oz.
rechargeable blender built for smoothies, protein shakes, and even
cocktails, wherever life takes you.
But growing a business from an idea into
a recognized brand comes with challenges—especially when it comes to
scaling and breaking into new sales channels. That’s when Jon turned
to the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center for support.
Working closely with an advisor, Jon rethought BLENDi’s go-to-market
strategy, finding creative ways to get the product in front of
people who weren’t necessarily shopping for blenders—like customers
in gift shops, supermarkets, and other unexpected retail spaces.
With the Massachusetts SBDC’s guidance,
Jon also leaned into community partnerships. One of the most
meaningful: working with Welcome Home, a Newton-based nonprofit that
helps mothers with transitioning out of shelters. Since blenders are
one of their most-requested items, Jon stepped up, donating BLENDi
units and expanding his impact beyond just sales.
Thanks in part to these strategic moves
and ongoing support from the Massachusetts SBDC team, BLENDi has
seen a significant jump in revenue this year—and even greater brand
awareness across new markets.
In 2025, Jon’s efforts were recognized
when he was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Massachusetts
by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
"The Massachusetts SBDC helped me think outside the box and connected me with opportunities that I would not have found on my own. They have been a game-changer in how I have grown BLENDi."
The Massachusetts SBDC congratulates Jon
Katz for his innovation, growth, and commitment to making a
difference both in business and the community.
