From macarons to celebration cakes, Baked Lab has been serving Madison’s east side since 2019. The bakery owner, Shawn Bolduc, will soon be able to expand the operations with the help of Forward Community Investments’ small business loan program. The Baked Lab, currently located at 931 E. Main St. in Madison, will be moving to the ground floor of a historic residential building on Atwood Avenue. Shawn is a former arts administrator turned pastry chef who brings creativity and community to everything he does. After nearly a decade working behind the scenes in performing arts – most recently as Director of Audience Services at the Wisconsin Union Theater – Shawn decided to blend his love of baking and his passion for people into something fresh and that is how Baked Lab was born. This dessert studio and learning laboratory features modern takes on classic desserts, bold wedding cakes, and hands-on baking workshops. The atmosphere is relaxed, inclusive, and rooted in Shawn’s belief that food can build connections. With the motto “Classic treats. Modern vibes.”, the business is all about reimagining nostalgic treats and flavors with a twist—and creating a space where everyone feels like they belong.
Shawn Bolduc
Photo by Melanie Renee Photography.
Making it Possible
This relocation and expansion is supported in with a loan through FCI’s small business loan program and further strengthened by a loan guaranty through a catalytic impact investing partnership between Forward Community Investments and the Wisconsin Philanthropy Network (WPN). Bolduc also received funding from WEDC’s Capital Catalyst — State Small Business Credit Initiative.
Launched in September 2024, the Dane County Diverse Business Guaranty Fund is a pooled resource supported by six WPN member organizations. The fund was created to broaden access to capital for diverse, growth-stage businesses in Dane County that have traditionally faced barriers to conventional financing.
This unique philanthropic partnership enables WPN members to align their investments with local, community-based initiatives that drive measurable impact. Loans supported by these funds drive local job creation, foster small business growth, and generate pathways to long-term economic security.
Forging the Path Ahead
For business owners like Shawn, a location well-suited and constructed specifically to their business needs allows for operational efficiencies and overall growth. Through this next chapter, Shawn hopes to grow the bakery into a vibrant neighborhood hub for creativity, celebration, and really good desserts. Follow Baked Lab on Instagram @thebakedlab for updates on the construction of the new store.
At Forward Community Investments, we recognize that small businesses are essential to strong, thriving communities. That’s why our small business loan program is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, providing access to capital along with tailored Borrower Support plans that guide our clients through each stage of their growth journey.
We’re proud to be a financial partner on projects like Shawn’s that create tangible, lasting impact in neighborhoods across Wisconsin.
Learn more about this project from Shawn in his recent Cap Times feature
