CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Mitchell Learning Academy
Black Woman-Owned Early Learning Center Receives Critical PPP Loan
Mitchell Learning Academy (MLA) is a minority-owned, high-quality childcare and educational center. Owned and operated by Reshawndia Mitchell and her husband Mr. Mitchell, the couple spent years working on their dream to provide the local community with quality childcare.
DEMOGRAPHIC
Black-Owned
LOCATION
Jacksonville, FL
LOAN PROGRAM
Paycheck Protection Program
THE CHALLENGE
Academy Struggles with the Covid-19 Pandemic
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitchell Learning Academy (MLA) was at high risk. The enrollment was down dramatically as the lockdown kept children out of the center. It became a financial battle for the academy, which also made families who didn’t have the resources struggle to continue sending their kids to the center.
While Reshawndia, the Center Director, could keep the doors open, she knew if the problem continued to persist, she would need help retaining and maintaining her staff.
THE SOLUTION
Loan Approved and Academy Remained Open
The Mitchells knew they needed help to keep their learning academy open. They turned to BBIF for guidance.
The team at BBIF educated The Mitchells on the SBA Payment Protection Program (PPP). With their help, Reshawndia applied for the loan and was approved quickly. PPP allowed the Mitchell Learning Academy to remain open to families of essential workers, first responders, and healthcare workers. It also helped them retain their staff who are crucial to the academy’s ongoing success.
Receiving the PPP loan allows us to retain the staff that we’ve had for several years, which is critical to our business being successful later. It gives me a huge sigh of relief that we were able to receive the funding.
Reshawndia Mitchell
Center Director of Mitchell Learning Academy
THE IMPACT
Keeping The Dream Alive For The Mitchell Learning Academy
Thanks to the PPP loan and guidance from the BBIF team, the Mitchell Learning Academy remained open and kept its dream alive of providing top-notch early education.
In the highly competitive market of Jacksonville, the loss of their talented employees would have been devastating to their household and operations. To this day, their business is strong and is rated as one of the top academies in Jacksonville.
