Entrepreneur
Company/organization description
Creative Hearts Learning Academy (CHLA) is located in Bloomfield, CT and is licensed to provide care to children 6weeks-12 years old. CHLA provides a safe and nurturing learning environment, where children can create and explore. They serve families in Bloomfield and surrounding towns. The teachers pride themselves on encouraging children to color outside the lines because they understand that children's needs are best met when you stay away from a "one size fits all" approach.
Tell us about the entrepreneurial milestones you accomplished?
From 2020 to 2021 CHLA has increased its revenue by 45% and continued to grow during a pandemic. In 2021 CHLA created more than 15 jobs and provided care to 50+ families. We also purchased our first commercial property and will relocate this Spring, creating 8 more jobs and serving 40 more families.
What type of entrepreneur are you?
Main Street - local business focus
What CT entrepreneur ecosystem resources have helped you succeed?
When CHLA started its journey in 2018 we collaborated with Community Investment corporation(CIC) for start up funds and business mentorship. Three years later CHLA collaborated with CIC and CEDF to purchase its first property. This will allow CHLA to create more daycare spaces, the ability to provide care to double the number of families, and create more jobs in the community. WBDC has also been a great partner and resource in the cHLA expansion project.
Nominator Justification
Leah has provided a safe and nurturing learning environment for 60+ families, allowing parents to maintain employment. She created more than 20 jobs in her community. Her company Creative Hearts Learning Academy, worked diligently to stay relevant through the Covid-19 pandemic and led to sales increasing by 45.7%. In 2021 she purchased her first commercial property and will expand her business. The expansion will create 12+ more jobs and help 40 more families obtain quality childcare.
Education
Company/organization description
Creative Hearts Learning Academy (CHLA) is located in Bloomfield, CT and is licensed to provide care to children 6weeks-12 years old. CHLA provides a safe and nurturing learning environment, where children can create and explore. They serve families in Bloomfield and surrounding towns. The teachers pride themselves on encouraging children to color outside the lines because they understand that children's needs are best met when you stay away from a "one size fits all" approach.
How do you train, educate or prepare entrepreneurs
N/A
What impact did your program have in 2020?
CHLA remained open and continued to grow during a pandemic. Community members were able to continue working through such uncertain times because we were able to remain open and provide care. In 2021 CHLA created more than 15 jobs and provided care to 50+ families. We also purchased our first commercial property in November of 2021 and will relocate this Spring, creating 8 more jobs and serving 40 more families.
Nominator Justification
Creative Hearts Learning Academy is making a huge impact in the lives of families in Bloomfield and surrounding towns. Children need to learn and grow in a rich learning environment that supports social-emotional growth and promotes safety. CHLA provides just that! They currently serve 42 families. They just purchased their first commercial property and will expand their capacity to 75+. CHLA is laying a solid education foundation! They're assuring children 6wks-12 years old can thrive and grow.
