Vanessa Billinger opened Growing Kindness Learning Center in her hometown of Viola in January 2024.
When she began working with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center in early 2021, Billinger had dreams of creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages children to develop a greater sense of compassion for others.
The new preschool provides a nature-based learning environment that prioritizes safety, nutrition, exercise, and music.
Vanessa’s experience as a mother of a child with a disability inspired Growing Kindness. She says, “It taught me to discover what really matters in life. I have been inspired to share what I have learned at the center.”
Housed in a large new-construction building, the sparkling facility has room for about four dozen infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
The ASBTDC assisted Billinger with obtaining a Child Care Supply Building Grant, a competitive funding program to start new child care centers in communities with a shortage of daycare services. Market data supplied by the center showed the need in Viola for more child care.
“The help I received from the ASBTDC was monumental to the opening of my new business,” said Vanessa. “I was provided information to help obtain a Building Grant that helped furnish all the classrooms and make my business so much more than I ever imagined!”
She also received business startup guidance from the ASBTDC consulting team, including Laura Miller of the Arkansas State University regional office.
“I enjoyed the one-on-one time taken to help me understand what was needed for my business proposal. I was able to take my information and have it looked at, then take corrective action on the things that needed to be changed, before going to the bank for a business loan. Your help made the process go smoothly and I am about to be opening my business to make my community better and provide new jobs.”
The learning center will employ 12 staff, in addition to Billinger.
“I would highly recommend anyone wanting to start a small business to get in contact with the ASBTDC to get personalized care,” she said.
For more information, visit www.growingkindnesslearningcenter.com.