Brownsville Preparatory Institute

Rita Brown, the Founder and CEO of Brownsville Preparatory Institute, LLC, has successfully transformed Brownsville Preparatory Institute from a personal project into a cornerstone of early childhood education and community development in Tallahassee, Florida.

Florida SBDC at FAMU consultant Adriene Wright works with Rita Respass-Brown, owner of Brownsville Preparatory Institute in Tallahassee.

Ms. Brown founded the Brownsville Preparatory Institute 19 years ago in her home, as a way, to teach three-year-old's to read. What started as a small project has grown into a private school serving pre-K through third grade, a team of fourteen full-time staff, and a reputation for cultivating academic excellence and fostering a love of learning. Ms. Brown faced early challenges, being in a new state, without an educational credentialing background, and without an established community network. Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and connecting with a mentor, Brownsville Preparatory Institute thrived. Today, it is renowned for its innovative approach to early childhood education.

Recognizing the need to scale Brownsville Preparatory Institute’s success, Ms. Brown was guided by the President of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce to seek support from the SBDC and connected her with the Regional Director, Tangela Lofton. The SBDC provided resources such as informative workshops, business planning, accounting and financial strategies, and connections to potential lenders, equipping Brownsville Preparatory Institute (BPI) to sustain its growth. The BPI successfully secured a $700,000 SBA loan to support its expansion efforts. This funding will enable the establishment of a second campus to address the growing demand. This expansion will enable BPI to enroll more students, starting with those currently listed on an ever-increasing waitlist for admission.

The client was assigned to Dr. Adriene Wright, an SBDC Consultant, to work with the BPI and provide expert guidance. Dr. Wright identified opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, expand impact, and began planning with Ms. Brown toward a long-term goal of BPI sustainability and succession planning. Dr. Wright has guided the BPI leadership through a SWOT Analysis and is continuing to guide the development of the BPI’s strategic plan for the next 3-year period.

Ms. Brown reflects that, “The SBDC helped me see the nuances of my business and provided resources I didn’t even know were available. Sometimes, as business owners, we’re so busy running our operations that we dig ourselves into deeper holes. Taking the time to seek assistance can make all the difference.”

Ms. Brown’s community-first mindset extends to her students, who regularly participate in service projects, and their parents, who are actively involved in these efforts. These activities instill values of empathy and service in the students, building future leaders who care about their communities. To broaden this vision, Ms. Brown launched the Brownsville Preparatory Institute’s nonprofit arm, Seeds of Literacy, to provide educational support to underserved communities in Frenchtown and Southside. Through grants secured with the help of the Children’s Services Council, Seeds of Literacy has hosted full-day academic and recreational summer camps for several years. The program continues to grow, with new initiatives such as the annual "Brownsville Preparatory Institute Cares and Shares Toy Drive," which provided over 1,500 toys to children last year, and "Fill the Van," which collects essential supplies for the homeless shelter.

Ms. Brown’s entrepreneurial journey spans decades, from running a successful beauty supply store in the 1980s to owning and managing commercial property. She credits her adaptability, openness to learning, and innovative spirit as the keys to her success. With the continued support of the SBDC, Ms. Brown is confident that the Brownsville Preparatory Institute is well-positioned to expand its impact, inspiring children and strengthening communities for generations to come.

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SBDC has made resources available that I would've otherwise not been able to afford, such as Creating a business plan, accounting, strategies, and recommendations to lenders interested in my type of business.”

Rita Brown, Founder & CEO — Brownsville Preparatory Institute