EDC CLIENT STORIES

Unknown to them at their first meeting, Elisabeth Suafo’a (Beth) and Robin Bales shared a dream of owning a preschool. In 2013, Beth and Robin met as instructors at Carousel Montessori Preschool, bonding over their work and value of partnership as they supported the previous owner’s opening of a second location. When the owner decided to sell one of the Camarillo locations, Beth and Robin jumped at the opportunity to jointly own the school and pursue their dreams. With the knowledge and experience to run a successful preschool, Beth and Robin connected to the EDC Loan Program and SBDC to guide them through the process of buying the school.

The EDC’s Director of Lending, Marvin Boateng, and SBDC Financial Advisor, Gonzalo Fernandez, helped Beth and Robin address their financing and access to capital, while EDC SBDC Legal Advisor, Erica Bristol, assisted with the purchase agreement. Robin expressed, “We are both good at running a school, but we never started a school. I honestly thank God for the EDC SBDC because they really helped us step by step with things we didn’t even understand.” With Marvin’s and Gonzalo’s guidance, Carousel Montessori Preschool received a loan through the EDC City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund, allowing Beth and Robin to purchase the school in July. Today, Carousel Montessori Preschool is looking forward to working with new advisors as their services expand and is thrilled to continue supporting the next generation’s education.