A Sweet Deal: JPalmer Collective Provides Credit Facility to Baked by Melissa

Financing reinforces JPalmer Collective’s focus on supporting women-led CPG companies

NEW YORK – October 21, 2026 – JPalmer Collective (JPC), an asset-based lending (ABL) firm focused on women-led and high-growth consumer brands, today announced the closing of an asset-based line of credit to Baked by Melissa, one of the most recognized dessert brands in the country, created by Melissa Ben-Ishay and known for its signature bite-sized cupcakes. The facility funds working capital, growth initiatives, and the refinancing of existing debt.

Transaction at a Glance

·       Borrower: Baked by Melissa

·       Lender: JPalmer Collective

·       Facility: Asset-based line of credit

·       Use of proceeds: Working capital, growth funding, and refinancing of existing debt

·       Sector: Food and beverage

·       Strategic focus: Women-led brand, nationwide e-commerce operations

From Apartment Kitchen to National Brand

Starting from a single batch of tie-dye cupcakes in Melissa Ben-Ishay's NYC kitchen, Baked by Melissa has grown into one of the most recognizable brands in food and gifting, with nine retail locations and a thriving national e-commerce business. With handcrafted nostalgic flavors, the brand continues to grow through high-profile partnerships, a growing wholesale footprint, and a corporate gifting program serving clients nationwide.

“We love working with dynamic woman founders, and Melissa is a powerhouse with social smarts, able to leverage her more than 5 million followers across platforms to grow direct-to-consumer sales and national brand awareness,” said Jennifer Palmer, founder and CEO of JPalmer Collective. “Melissa built her incredible company from the ground up, through her signature treats and cupcakes and then by partnering with other iconic brands to create amazing partnerships.”

Why Baked by Melissa Chose an Asset-Based Line of Credit

Baked by Melissa chose JPalmer Collective for its flexible approach to debt and its understanding of what it takes to build and scale consumer brands. The facility gives the team room to adjust borrowing as inventory needs change, while staying aligned with the company’s long-term growth plans.

“Working with JPalmer Collective has been a true partnership,” said Melissa Ben-Ishay, President and Co-founder of Baked by Melissa. “The firm’s flexibility and understanding of how consumer brands grow made them the right fit for us. This financing gives us the room we need to scale responsibly while continuing to invest in the products our consumers love."

The transaction is meaningful for JPC as it continues to expand its portfolio of women-led businesses, providing customized capital solutions that adapt to the needs of fast-growing consumer companies.

About JPalmer Collective

JPalmer Collective is a specialty asset-based lending (ABL) firm providing customized commercial finance solutions to high-growth companies that fall outside traditional lender criteria. Founded in 2023 by Jennifer Palmer, a commercial finance veteran, former president of the Secured Finance Network (SFNet), and an honoree on Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500 list, JPC delivers white-glove service and a consultative approach to women-led businesses, high-growth consumer brands, and companies focused on conscious consumers, sustainability, and inclusivity. The firm is a leading voice on women’s access to capital and on financing strategies for emerging consumer, food, and beverage brands.

About Baked by Melissa

Founded by Melissa Ben-Ishay in 2008, Baked by Melissa is the NYC-based dessert brand famous for its bite-size cupcakes. The company operates 9 retail locations and ships its premium treats nationwide. With handcrafted nostalgic flavors developed by Melissa herself, innovative packaging, and gift boxes for every occasion, Baked by Melissa has become a go-to treat for celebrating life’s moments across the U.S. The brand also offers extensive corporate event and gifting options, including custom branded packaging and flavor curation.