Company founder and president Cherish Anderson started Nanny2Shoes LLC in her home because she wanted to provide child care placement services for families looking for child care providers. She came to the Mid Iowa SBDC in 2003 for financial and legal assistance as well as help finding financing opportunities. As the company grew, it moved into a commercial location and added three employees. The company’s main challenge was to control its growth opportunities and its cash flow.

Cherish came back many times to the Mid Iowa SBDC for assistance so she could improve her understanding of commercial leasing, hiring employees, financial growth, and to find out about doing a strategic plan. She expanded her business services further by adding event child care management such as the “Shaping America’s Youth Conference” that was held for over 100 children. Cherish also attended the Mid Iowa SBDC’s Business Toolbox workshop series for existing businesses. SBDC staff helped Cherish with additional cash flow projections, financial issues, strategic planning, real estate negotiation, marketing reviews, and referrals to other business professionals, including a lawyer and a CPA.

Cherish says, “The Mid Iowa SBDC was instrumental in the development and growth of Nanny2Shoes. Through their assistance I was able to develop a skill set in financials and strategic planning.”

Nanny2Shoes LLC grew from a small, home-based business to a significant store-front business, added three employees, assisted 600 families and 750 child care providers, and has the potential for continued additional growth. The company maintains a registry of over 150 active full-time, part-time, temporary and occasional child care providers who have completed an exhaustive screening process and background checks. The steady growth of this business is a testament to the value of strategic planning and working on the business, instead of just working in it.