14| 2020 SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS AWARDS — NJSBDC 2020 Small Business Awardee NJSBDC AT RUTGERS-CAMDEN Carousel of Learning, Inc. Debbie Bejsiuk 189 Watsontown New Freedom Road Berlin, NJ 08009 856-809-0899 http://www.carouseloflearning.net/ Carousel of Learning, Inc., owned and operated by Debbie Bejsiuk, is located in Berlin, NJ. With the assistance of Center Director Robert Palumbo, the business received a $10,000 SBA loan to help the business with operational revenues to meet rent and insurance costs. While the business is still in the early stages of re-opening, the patron level when it first re-opened was lower than normal times due to parents health and safety concerns for their children. The business continues to work with the Center in order to advance its business objectives as the external environment changes. Most of the children enrolled in the day care center have parents who are essential workers. Due to the influx of finance assistance, the business owner was able to pay rent and insurance with the initial $10,000. Since the receipt of initial SBA funds, the business received additional financing through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the amount of $45,000. Bejsiuk acknowledges that it was difficult having employees who were receiving unemployment benefits to return to work, especially as a result of the $600 per week bonus. Despite that scenario, the employees did return to work. While the business experienced lower patron levels during the summer months, the business owner has received calls for subsequent bookings. The PPP funds received covered most of the business payroll and bills. With this foundation, initial and ongoing support by the NJSBDC, Carousel Learning, Inc., continues to receive further guidance, assistance and support from the NJSBDC at RutgersCamden in weathering the pandemic and its fallout effects on the economy and consumer behavior. The Center has worked with Bejsiuk to help the business client understand the repayment options on SBA disaster loans. Bejsiuk said that she likes to keep Palumbo and the NJSBDC in her circle of resources due to their initial and continued assistance. As a client of the regional NJSBDC, Center business advisors will provide further assistance concerning business re-opening stages and other guidance as the COVID-19 environment changes. I cant say enough about the support and professionalism of Robert Palumbo at the SBDC. The organization truly works for your success, said Debbie Bejsiuk. I have worked with the SBDC for 21 years starting up my business in the childcare field and have relied on them throughout the years. When calling the SBDC I knew I would receive exceptional help with quality service and support 2012029 v2 NJSBDC 2020 Awards Book_TEXT.indd 12 12/10/20 3:24 PM
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