Building a Business That Builds Community—with Support from Small Business Development Center

For nearly 15 years, Gracie Dammann has invested in the lives of young children and families. First starting as an in-home childcare provider and later as the director of an early childhood program in Spencer. Throughout those years, she witnessed firsthand a challenge that continued to impact families and communities alike: the shortage of quality childcare.

Repeatedly, she saw the ripple effects: parents struggling to find reliable care, employers facing workforce shortages, and children missing out on early learning opportunities during critical developmental years. Those experiences didn’t just stay with her; they pushed her to act.

Through ongoing conversations with River’s Edge Church leadership, what began as a concern turned into a shared vision. The church recognized both the urgency of the community’s need and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Together, they began exploring how they could be part of the solution. That idea became River’s Edge Childcare Center. Designed to serve infants through 36 months, River’s Edge will provide 34 childcare spaces for families in the community. But more than just filling a gap, the center is built around the belief that the earliest years of a child’s life matter deeply. It aims to provide not only safe, reliable care but also a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Once the vision was clear, Dammann knew she couldn’t bring it to life alone. It would take more than passion to move forward; it needed a strong, sustainable foundation. On recommendation, she connected with Larry Wajda of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).“ Larry has been an incredible resource to us as we have been executing our business plan,” Dammann shared. “Specifically, he’s been helpful with making sure our numbers are both correct and trending in the right direction.”

With guidance from the SBDC, Dammann moved forward with confidence, transforming her idea into a viable, well-planned business and bringing it to life in a real, tangible way. Today, that vision is coming to life. The River’s Edge space has been completely remodeled with both children and caregivers in mind. Classrooms are designed for exploration and growth, each featuring small kitchen areas and flexible space for learning and play. Safety and accessibility are built into every detail, from secure entry points to a fenced-in outdoor play area.

For Wajda, this kind of work is exactly why the SBDC exists.

“I would encourage anyone who is thinking of starting a business to reach out to the SBDC,” Wajda said. “We meet you where you are in the planning stages or the expansion of your business. We are always cost-free, confidential, and personable.”

He encourages anyone with a business idea or those already operating a business to take advantage of available resources.

Turning an idea into something real can feel overwhelming.  But with the right guidance, it becomes not only possible, but achievable.

And for Gracie Dammann, what started as years of seeing a need has become something more, an investment in children, families, and the future of her community.