GrowSmart supports early education businesses and professionals, many of which are small, women-owned enterprises.

In 2010, GrowSmart partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to launch an innovative business class tailored for early care and education professionals. Developed by business consultant and early education expert Lauren, this award-winning initiative evolved into the SBDC Early Education Business Program—a mini-MBA–style course featuring three core components.

Success Story


Case Study: Erika Campfield

Erika Campfield is the owner of Amberley Childcare, a Virginia Beach small business and 2016 graduate of the Early Education Business Program.

Case Study: Brenda Soto

Brenda Soto is the owner of Making a Difference Step by Step, a Virginia Beach small business and a graduate of the Early Education Business Program.

She learned strategic business planning, best marketing techniques for early education, financial management, leadership skills, human resource management and the importance of automation. 


Program Business Statistics

  • 19% employee growth

  • 20% increase in revenue

  • 49% increase in enrollment

  • 36% grew or expanded their business