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Moira-Based Martin's Handmade Pretzels Locks Down North Country SBDC Award

Canton, NY (07/28/2025) — A rapidly growing local food manufacturing company is being recognized by the North Country Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SUNY Canton.

Martin's Pretzel Bakery, owned by Josiah Martin, will be presented with the 2025 Phoenix Award at 11 a.m. August 11 at the business's location, 697 County Highway 6, Moira. The entrepreneur was selected from more than 20,000 SBDC clients served in 2024 by 20 centers across New York State.

When he was under 20, Josiah began leading Martin's Country Store, a local specialty grocery and feed store with three locations across two counties, alongside his father, Justus Martin. While overseeing the business, Josiah had the opportunity to buy out his grandfather, Lloyd Martin. He purchased and relocated Martin's Pretzel Bakery to their location in Moira. Josiah is the 4th generation of his family to own the bakery, which started in 1935 and is celebrating their 90th year in business. Employees and staff create hand-rolled pretzels that are sold coast-to-coast and beyond.

The bakery opened on Oct. 19, 2020. On Dec. 12th, 2020, a devastating fire burned the entire business to the ground, less than two months after opening. Planning immediately began for what would become the new future of Martin's Pretzels. After 11 months of relentless hard work and dedication, the company was back up and running in Moira. The family legacy of handmade pretzels continues. The business is experiencing growth under Josiah's leadership and with the help of the SBDC.

Josiah has worked with North Country SBDC Advisor Jennifer McCluskey since 2019. Services provided have included assistance with business planning and financial analysis, accessing COVID funding and farm-to-table grant opportunities. Most recently, the SBDC provided planning and resources for growth in both national and international markets.

New York SBDC State Director, Sonya Smith, will be on hand to present the award to Josiah, along with McClusky and other stakeholders.

About The North Country SBDC

The SBDC was established at SUNY Canton in 1998 serving St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. In 2019, the SUNY Canton SBDC service area further expanded to include Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, and Washington Counties. To make services accessible throughout this coverage area, the North Country SBDC has established several community outreach locations where clients can meet with advisors by appointment closer to home.

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

Media Attachments

Josiah Martin, owner of Martin’s Pretzel Bakery in Moira is scheduled to receive the North Country Small Business Development Center's Phoenix Award on August 11.

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