In Reggio Emilia classrooms, teachers are co-learners and partners in the learning process, engaging in dialogue and exploration alongside children. Steffanie Bowles and her team named their early child care facility “Scuola Creativa”—meaning “creative school”—in honor of the approach’s Italian roots, and established it in Ferndale.

The popular school quickly outgrew its limited classroom space. Steffanie sought to serve more students, but needed additional funds and a sound business plan to do so, and was connected with the Michigan SBDC. She met Business Consultant Meri Dembrow, who assisted with financial analysis, and Business Growth Consultant Julie Oldham, who provided accounting and bookkeeping counsel. 

“To be honest, my financials weren’t in the best shape before working with the Michigan SBDC,” said Steffanie. “By working with Meri and Julie, my company’s financial footing became stronger.” The hard work and support paid off: Scuola Creativa was awarded an MEDC RAP grant. “I’d definitely recommend working with the Michigan SBDC to others,” said Steffanie. “Their help with my financials was a key driver in us being awarded grants.”

She continued, “We’ve since relocated to Royal Oak to accommodate up to 65 students per session in our town locations, and now employ a total of 23 full-time and part-time employees. Someday we dream of opening a downtown Detroit location, but in the meantime we’re going to continue to demonstrate what a great preschool can be.”