Q&A as told to CEI by Old Crow Ranch founder, Steve Sinisi, in his own words, with minor editing for context.

Describe your business in one sentence.

Pasture-based livestock farm with an active agrotourism angle, namely a farm store, a tiny house rental and events.

How does your business represent you and your lived experience?

Leaving our little corner of the earth better for the work we do and the way we contribute to our community.

What has been the greatest challenge you’ve faced in starting or running your business? How did you overcome that challenge?

Money. Farming is infrastructure heavy and income light. We’ve been lucky to be able to build the majority of our infrastructure through private financing.

Where do you see your business in 3-5 years?

Beginning to scale back to create a better work/life balance.

What advice would you give to aspiring business owners?

Try a holistic approach. The initial 5 years might be a feat of endurance and perseverance but have a plan that builds in more balance after the initial push.

Do you feel like you are serving a specific community or need?

Yes. “Good” meats and a community enrichment.

How did CEI become a part of your journey?

The CEI solar loan was recommended to us through a SCORE advisor. Seren has also participated in and appreciated FocusME groups through the Women’s Business Center, facilitated by Leigh Tillman.

Who did you work with at CEI? What was that experience like?

Ryan Green. Very responsive and understanding.

Did you receive business advising, workshops, and/ or a loan through CEI? Please describe

Solar loan. This process was straightforward and low-stress. We would not have been able to pursue a REAP Grant through USDA Rural Development if we didn’t have financing secured. Likewise, the subsidized solar loan through CEI was contingent on receiving a REAP grant. Solar was installed on Old Crow Ranch in July of 2025 and has been offsetting 100% of our electricity usage since then! The REAP grant offset the total project cost and the subsidized CEI loan reduced the interest from 7.5% to 3.5% and made the total monthly loan amount within our reach.

Would you recommend CEI to businesses like yours? Why or why not?

Yes, I would definitely recommend businesses check in with CEI about what programs, advising and grants they are offering!