Houston, TX – May 3, 2023 – SCORE and the Houston office of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) joined forces on Wednesday to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the best small business owners and champions in Houston. The SBA Awards Luncheon 2023 took place at the prestigious Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, where attendees gathered to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these exceptional individuals.
One of the standout honorees was Kaye Boehning, who received the 2023 SBA Award for Rural Business Owner of the Year. Kaye is the owner of Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools, a Texas Rising Star recognized childcare and private school that has been serving the education needs of children aged 6 weeks to 12 years in Huntsville and Walker County for over two decades. As the only Montessori school within a 45-mile radius, Tomorrow’s Promise plays a vital role in the community.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Kaye said, “I don’t think a childcare center has ever been recognized for one of these awards. Before the pandemic, nobody thought anything of the lowly childcare work, or the lowly childcare center. Since the pandemic, we’ve been seen as essential workers.” She added, “It is an honor for my business to receive this recognition. I just want to have happy employees, happy children, happy parents, and touch as many lives as I can.”
Kaye opened the first Montessori school in Huntsville on September 2, 1997, and since then, the school has grown to become the largest childcare center in the area, with a licensed capacity of 255. Over the past 24 years, Kaye has worked closely with the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), crediting their guidance and support as being crucial to her success.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaye took advantage of the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program to keep her business afloat. After completing the SBA Emerging Leaders program in 2021, she has seen increased enrollment and expanded her business by adding a second location. Plans are currently underway for opening a third location.
SCORE Houston, which co-hosted the event, is an organization dedicated to serving the Greater Houston Area by offering free business advice, low-cost or no-cost business training, and various templates and tools. With a team of over 150 volunteers, SCORE Houston comprises experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives from a range of industries and specialties. These volunteers generously share their expertise and knowledge to help small business owners start, develop, and grow their businesses.
The SBA Awards Luncheon 2023 was a testament to the resilience and innovation of small business owners and champions in Houston. Their achievements not only inspire future entrepreneurs but also contribute to the economic growth and development of the community.
For more information about Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools visit: http://tomorrowspromise.info/
For more information about the Small Business Development Center click here.
