Early Learning Center Gets a Boost from PlainsCapital

“I feel truly blessed. I’ve always been told to keep praying and keep the faith and watch God bless you. Faith is all I have. I couldn’t ask for a better bank.” – Charlotte McCarty, Director of Lil’ Precious Steps

Background

Lil’ Precious Steps has been an important part of the Lubbock community since 1999, serving as a day care and early learning center for infants through children up to 12 years old. Owner and director Charlotte McCarty focuses the center’s activities on kindergarten prep and education. She has partnered with PlainsCapital since 2006 to keep the business running smoothly.

Problem

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, enrollment at Lil’ Precious Steps started dropping. Charlotte was worried that she’d have to cut hours in order to meet payroll and feared that she could lose experienced employees.

Solution

Almost immediately, Charlotte received an email from PlainsCapital about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program originated from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and was intended to provide American small businesses with cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally guaranteed loans. She applied and was approved for two rounds of funding. The money went toward payroll, mortgage payments and utility bills. It also allowed her to keep all 10 employees working their regular hours.

“It is so crazy that I never thought to ask for anything from PlainsCapital until COVID,” Charlotte said. “I’ve always been told to keep praying and keep the faith and watch God bless you. Faith is all I have. I couldn’t ask for a better bank.”

Outcome

As business begins to pick up again, Charlotte is focused on helping the kids and families of Lubbock.

“I love to see the children develop positive self-esteem about themselves and give them a safe place while parents are working or going to school,” she said. “We are their role model. We’re guiding them in the way they need to go. It’s something that’s really needed in the community.”

The kids are beginning to return to Lil’ Precious Steps, slowly but surely. And the employees are all still there, and the bills are getting paid. Thanks to PlainsCapital, Charlotte feels equipped and ready for the road ahead.