In the heart of the Florida panhandle in Marianna, a dream took root and blossomed into reality for childcare business founders Georgeann Adkison and Amanda Eagle.
These two entrepreneurs, with diverse backgrounds but a shared vision, joined forces to create JACOLA, the thriving Jackson County Learning Academy.
Building a Beacon of Childcare, Education & Nurturing
Rooms within the childcare and education center are named after local streets.
A few years prior, the women meticulously crafted their business plan.
Georgeann, with her financial expertise, and Amanda, drawing from nearly two decades of teaching experience, recognized a crucial need in their community: quality childcare and early education.
“I reached out to Len Eicher at the SBDC in the very beginning stages,” shares Georgeann of her connection with the Florida SBDC at UWF and working with Dr. Eichler. “He was most helpful. Available to me anytime that I had questions. He put together spreadsheets for me. He basically helped me get ready for the bank!”
The journey wasn’t without challenges, they share. As newcomers to entrepreneurship, they faced numerous obstacles. Finding that unexpected ally in the SBDC team and Len, Georgeann describes how SBDC became their guiding light — helping them navigate the complexities of starting a business including paperwork, budgeting, expenses and costs, financial projections, planning for opening, and how things should look before, during, and after.
“We knew where we wanted to get with our mission,” Georgeann says of starting to work with Len. “And he helped us with that. He pushed us. He pushed me to think of things I needed to do, people I would need to contact. Have you thought of this, have you thought of that. Maybe you can reach out to this person. I could reach out to this person to help you.
“We could not have started this without the help of Len. It could’ve just started as an idea, and went away, and we could’ve never pursued this opportunity. But I feel like Len’s confidence in our idea, and our mission, and our vision helped keep us focused.”
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
Georgeann adds how Len gave them solutions to roadblocks. She encourages other entrepreneurs if they have no business experience and want to open a business, that’s what the SBDC is there to help you with, or things you wouldn’t normally know.
“SBDC has been right by our side the whole time, helping us understand this process. You know, we don’t know everything. No one knows everything about anything,” she says with a laugh. “So we’re always able to learn, and SBDC, they don’t expect anything from me to help me achieve my goals.”
JACOLA opened its doors, offering childcare education services for children aged zero to five as well as after-school programs and VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten). Georgeann and Amanda didn’t want to create just another daycare; they imagined a true learning academy where children would be prepared for their academic futures.
The founders placed a strong emphasis on hiring highly trained, quality staff. They implemented the Frog Street curriculum, focusing not just on academic readiness but also on social and emotional development. Every morning, as families entrust their little ones to JACOLA, Georgeann and Amanda say they feel a mix of pride and responsibility.
Your Behind-the-Scenes Partner
For Amanda, each day brings joy as she witnesses the impact they’re making on young lives. She says the children’s love, their eagerness to learn, and their developing social skills reinforce the importance of what their team is striving for.
Clients of the academy explain how they feel the benefits of this business greatly in their families, and they feel seen by the care providers.
The success of JACOLA is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the resources provided by organizations like the SBDC. Georgeann and Amanda now advocate for other aspiring entrepreneurs to seek out such support, viewing the SBDC as their “third partner” in this venture.
“Len’s support was instrumental in making our dream come true,” Georgeann says.
As JACOLA continues to help alleviate the childcare shortage while growing and nurturing young minds in Marianna, Georgeann and Amanda remain committed. They’ve created more than just a business; they’ve built a foundation for the future of their community, one child and one family at a time.