To everyone reading this post,
My name is Sharon. I am a certified teacher for grades N-5. I have owned and operated a successful childcare center in Orlando, Florida since 2016. My lease for the property expired in October 2023. The business could not support the new rent required by the landlord, so I had to find a new location.
Fortunately, I was able to find another property that is located within two miles of the former property. The building used to house a former childcare center so it did not require any major renovations. It did, however, require some minor projects. The location is terrific, the rent is reasonable, and there is a high demand for childcare in the neighborhood.
I signed a 5-year lease agreement in August 2023 and paid the first and last month’s rent. The lease was effective September 1, 2023. I negotiated a 30-day free rent for September. I figured I could use this period to pack and make preparations for the new center. Thus, my first rent payment was due on November 1, 2023, since I prepaid for October.
Due to some technicality in the wording of the lease, and the dishonesty of the landlord, I was given credit for only one week of free rent for September. That meant I had to start paying rent in October instead of November. This situation was compounded by the fact that I still had to pay rent in September and October at the current location, as well as funding several projects listed in the lease addendum as the landlord’s responsibilities. There were also unusual delays in securing my own building and fire permits.
My DCF consultant has submitted all the necessary permits and documents to process my childcare license. She expects the license to be issued the week of February 4th.
I am current in my rent and utilities but I will need $15,000 to cover three months of working capital. I have been using my savings to cover all the business expenses as well as my personal expenses since September.
I currently have 8 children enrolled in the center. I plan to offer an extended day until midnight for 6 months to maximize my enrollment. The funds would also help me to launch an aggressive ad campaign.
I tried applying to several financial institutions but even though I have good credit and a turn-key business, they are all requiring proof of three month’s income. I have been praying about the situation and the Lord has led me to this platform.
I want to thank you all in advance for taking the time to read my post and for any donation you can make. I promise to use all the donations I receive wisely and responsibly.
My PayPal account is paypal.me/shaunie1955
Most sincerely,
Sharon