Spanish Lab and Learning Center

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From Language Lab to Childcare: How the SBDC Helped Transform a Harrisonburg Business

“Diane helped us through the whole process,” Mariela says. “She was instrumental in creating a business plan and took the time to meet with me many times. She directed us to an architect who helped pick the right building and subsequent change of use of the building. Diane helped us through the application process [for the ARPA grant]. I don’t have a business background. Without help from the SBDC, I would have given up.”

Student LearningGirl Learning
Student Learning
Student Learning
Classroom Supplies
Classroom Supplies
Kids Learning in Group Setting
Kids Learning in Group Setting

Background

A teacher for 30 years, Mariela Formiconi knows the value of education. When Mariela and her business partner, Celeste Diaz, decided to add a childcare center to their Spanish Lab and Learning Center, Mariela sought out the Shenandoah Valley SBDC to learn specifics about the project.

“I’m from Argentina, where I taught English as a Second Language,” Mariela explains. “Celeste was an early education teacher in Paraguay and liked the idea of adding childcare. That’s how we got into this place — and we’re super excited to be here.”

Established in 2023, the Spanish Lab and Learning Center offers group Spanish classes for children, teens and adults; private tutoring in Spanish and English; and day camps and summer camps for children in Spanish. But, in expanding their center to include childcare support, Mariela and Celeste needed a mentor of their own, which led them to the Shenandoah Valley SBDC and Business Advisor Diane McCarthy.

“Diane offered to meet with us, and my answer was — of course!” Mariela said.

Working With SBDC

Starting with an initial meeting in April 2024, Diane provided the business partners with a roadmap to open their Childcare and Preschool Center, as well as a plan to apply for a Harrisonburg City Childcare American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant. That grant, which included enrollment in the six-week Harrisonburg Childcare Business Training Program, helped fund their new childcare endeavor.

A successful application resulted in two ARPA grants that totaled $89,000.

“We are using that money to renovate our building,” Mariela says. “Once that’s done, the Spanish Lab and Learning Center will open its doors to the Spanish Immersion Preschool and Childcare Center.”

Outcome

Diane has also continued to support Mariela and Celeste by helping them work on new ideas for the Spanish Learning Lab.

“She continues to offer ideas to make that side of the business grow,” Mariela says, “and we’ve already seen growth since we started working with the SBDC in April 2024. Our workshops and day camps idea, now impactful in our business, started with a discussion with Diane. We’re currently in the process of building a Childcare and Preschool Center and will add seven employees.”

As their business grows, Mariela and Celeste will continue to look to the SBDC.

“The SBDC is amazing,” Mariela concludes. “Working with the SBDC, I never felt alone; their advice gave me direction. If we hadn’t had the SBDC’s help, we wouldn’t have been able to work out all the details for a childcare business. It’s a great resource — and it’s free!”

  • Received $89,000 in ARPA Grants

  • Opened New Location for Childcare Center Expansion

  • Projected to Create 6 Full Time Positions

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