Sandra Marquez opened her first childcare center in 2012 on 4th Street because she liked working with children and saw a need to help people with childcare. She also had previous experience working with children. La Escuelita Learning Center, which has eight employees, takes children from six weeks to 12 years in the Los Ranchos area.
After spots quickly filled up and a waiting list grew, Ms. Marquez decided to open a second facility on Osuna. The Learning Ladder Academy, which opened this summer, will serve 90 children in the future.
Ms. Marquez said that The Loan Fund has been very helpful in getting her started with her business and with the expansion. Her advice to small business owners: “Never give up and go after your dream whatever it is.”