Assisted by ASBTDC Lead Center and ASBTDC at Henderson State University
Consultant Ryan Cole
Concern for Community’s Children Leads Stinson to New Career in Child Care
Before becoming a daycare owner, Kim Stinson was an auditor who spent half her week on the road. COVID-19 changed everything.
Her work went fully remote, and she began caring for her grandchildren, ages one and three.
“I do not know if you have ever tried to work with numbers, spreadsheets, or budgets with a 1- and 3-year-old. Unfortunately, I was not able to,” she said. “Friends and family were not able to watch the children for fear of being exposed to COVID.”
Her community of Bismarck did not have any licensed child care except Head Start, which went virtual when the local school did. All the other child care centers that were operational were miles away, leaving no safe places nearby for children to receive care.
A Consultant in Her Corner
Seeing the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives, Kim approached Kathy Ramsey of Southern Bancorp.
They discussed the possibility of Stinson opening a child care facility.
Ramsey encouraged her to reach out to Ryan Cole, a consultant with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.
“I was extremely pessimistic and really did not want to do the consult,” Stinson said.
However, she soon came to appreciate Cole’s tenacity. She realized he “was just as determined, stubborn, and unwilling to give up on me as I was on not quitting the process of building and opening a child care center.”
He focused on getting Stinson’s idea into a working business plan to help her determine the best practices for sustaining her business. Cole suggested a SWOT analysis to identify strengths such as her financial and management experience, along with weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
The SWOT analysis Cole prepared impressed Stinson and others. “This piece really confirmed my decision to consult was the best,” she said. “I was told by numerous upper management state employees that 99% of providers open with 10-plus years’ experience, but they have NEVER seen any of them have a SWOT done on the business.
“I may not have the experience in the field. However, I did on the business side and have the best business consultant this side of Texas that did my SWOT!”
Funds to Start and Stay in Business
Kim opened Lil Lions Daycare, LLC in October 2021. To construct and equip the facility, Stinson pooled her own funds with SBA-backed financing from Southern Bancorp and a loan from the Malvern/Hot Spring County Revolving Loan Fund.
She saved on building costs by using the services of her husband Brian’s construction company, but delays in the licensing process caused cash flow issues. Then a brief COVID closure disrupted operations.
At times, she says prayer is the only thing that keeps her going. “I have learned that you can pray every minute of the day and the Lord does not mind,” said Stinson.
Cole helped her identify some additional sources of funding for child care providers.
Since opening, Lil Lions received a small grant from Arkansas Better Beginnings and then, after six months of operation, was approved for voucher grants to essential workers, foster children, and low-income households, news that could not have come at a better time.
Stinson kept applying. Her unwavering determination paid off when she received the Arkansas ARPA Sustainably Grant for child care centers.
Quality Care for Local Families
The daycare licensing and quality certification process can be difficult, but within a few months, a determined Stinson completed the requirements.
With no previous child care experience, she took over 400 hours of child care courses through Arkansas State University. Her effort paid off, as Lil Lions earned a Level 2 Star Rating through the Better Beginnings Program.
LLD cares for children from infants up to age 13. Services include daycare, after school and before school care, and summer programs.
Stinson chose a social-emotional learning curriculum to help children grow physically, mentally, and socially. She wants to instill in each child that they can learn through their own interests, and all interests create avenues for learning. If a child is struggling, she will not give up.
Through all the ups and downs of owning a business, Stinson is learning patience to go with her persistence. She also appreciates all the help provided by her ASBTDC consultant.
“It was the best decision to call and speak to Ryan Cole. He was the backbone for my business and continues to push me.”
For more information about Lil Lions Daycare, visit the LLD website.
