Studer Community Institute

Century Business Challenge announces winners

June 26, 2015
/ Mollye Barrows
/ economy

New educational opportunities for children are coming to Century, thanks to the business challenge sponsored by Quint and Rishy Studer. East Hill Academy and Abundant Life Children of Hope were named as the winners, Thursday afternoon. They'll share the $25,000 award of cash and incentives, with the school receiving $20,000 and the daycare $5,000. East Hill Academy plans to launch a satellite campus called Century Academy. EHA is a private, nonprofit school for K-12 students with autism and related learning disabilities that opened in Pensacola in 2002. The school opened a similar school in Milton four years ago. Owner and founder Barbara Barber says moving into Century has been a longtime goal. "This has been something that has been brewing in the back of my mind since 2010," said Barber. "The time wasn't right then, but when the Century Business Challenge came up, that was my cue. If life has taught me one thing, if there's an opportunity take it." The pastor of Abundant Life Assembly of God in Century, where Children of Hope is located, is grateful to share in the award. The faith-based daycare center opened June 1, before the challenge even ended. The. Rev. Jeff Dwenger and church staff wanted to provide more childcare options for parents, especially those needing to work or attend school. "We are just so thrilled to be a part of all this," said Dwenger, "just the privilege of being able to share our heart and our desire to help the community." The businesses were selected from five proposals. Ten applicants originally applied and half finished the challenge, which included business development classes provided by the Small Business Development Center. The University of West Florida's Haas Center and the SBDC helped oversee the challenge, offering software, training, and guidance for all aspects of developing and launching a business. The applicants presented their proposals at the Century Business Center on Pond Street, Thursday afternoon. Andrew Rothfeder, president of Studer Properties and one of three judges, heard the presentations and helped select the winners. He also judged the Pensacola Business Challenge in 2012, which launched the popular downtown restaurant Carmen's. "The Century business proposals are impressive," said Rothfeder. "The applicants have great ideas and were thorough on their presentations. The two winning businesses not only will be good for children, but also will give more parents the resources they need to improve their lives." Rothfeder says the other applicants, which included a novelty golf ball holder, music school, and medical records service provider, still have the opportunity to take what they've learned and launch their businesses. "Although there was only one official winner, I believe six businesses launched from the Pensacola Business Challenge," said Rothfeder, "and five are still open." Although the Town of Century offered the winners free and reduced rent at the Century Business Center, Century Academy plans to open in the old Carver Century K-8 school, where Pensacola State College is now. "The location of Century Academy alongside the Head Start and PSC programs will help to create a 'hub' of educational opportunities for Century," Barber said. "This will only increase the appeal to other employers looking to do business in the area." Barber already is discussing ways to partner with PSC and expand educational opportunities. "We have identified nearly 400 children in the northern Escambia County, who could use the services we provide," said Barber. "Some will be private pay, but any child with an “IEP” (Individualized Education Program) at their current school would be eligible for a scholarship that would cover tuition and fees." Barber plans to open Century Academy by August, 2016. She will hire and train four local teachers to work there. Children of Hope also has plans to hire up to six employees if the center reaches its capacity of 29 children. Century Mayor Freddie McCall is thrilled with outcome and appreciative of the Studers for making the challenge possible. "Thanks to Mr. Studer and his wife for stepping up to the plant and doing this," said McCall. "We are excited and if there's any way we can help these businesses, we are here."

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Century Business Challenge announces winners

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