As mother of two growing little ones (ages 4 years and 4 months old), Raven Fisher knows first hand the importance of keeping them active. It’s why she was a frequent visitor of indoor play places like Jungle Java. Visiting these places to keep her kids engaged and entertained helped her to recognize a void in the industry for children’s play places. She noticed these places were frequented by children over the age of 6 and often so busy that mothers wouldn’t have the opportunity to truly connect with one another. She decided to create a space where mothers could bring their toddlers (under the age of 6) to have fun and connect with other mothers to socialize and chat about the joys and challenges of motherhood.
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Social Tykes Blows Open Play Place’s Like Jungle Java Away
Social Tykes was born out of Raven’s desire for toddlers to experience an open play place that goes beyond a few slides and tons of congestion. At Social Tykes, toddlers will be able to participate in an open play place and educational activities created specifically for children under the age of 6. Mothers will get to participate in “mommy and me” yoga classes. They will also get to engage with the other mothers in an intimate environment where they can drop-off their children for up to 5 hours with Raven’s child care services. This is a great service for parents who may be shopping or attending an event or meeting in the area and need someone to watch their children for a few hours. The space also serves as a co-working space that mothers can utilize when they need a place to complete their work. Parents can also rent the space to host their children’s birthday parties.
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The Motor City Match Program Helped Raven Find A Convenient Location in Corktown Historic District
With the help of the Motor City Match Program, Raven was able to find and secure a convenient and unique location in the Corktown Historic District in Detroit. She won the space award (in March 2018) and a $60,000 cash grant (in March 2019) from the Motor City Match Program. Approved program vendor and service provider, QT Business Solutions, assisted Raven with completing a business plan, financial projections and the Motor City Match Program application which ultimately resulted in Raven obtaining funding for her business. An additional $60,000 in microloan funding was also obtained from Detroit Development Fund with QT’s help. The grand opening is scheduled for May 2020 in Corktown on Michigan Ave and Trumble.
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Raven’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Raven says, “find a mentor– one that doesn’t mind you bugging them”. She says it’s important to have someone who knows what they are doing to hold your hand throughout the process. Working with a technical assistance provider, business coach or consultant (like QT Business Solutions) during your startup process is crucial for your success.
To learn more about Social Tykes Detroit and stay updated on the progress of the grand opening feel free to visit the website and/or follow the Social Tykes Instagram page.
Update 1/14/2020: Raven also received $25,000 in microloan funding from The Corktown Foundation. That brings the total amount of funding to $145,000.