Create and Learn Tutoring

Every entrepreneur starts with a dream. Possibility is seen where others see obstacles and passion sparks new offerings and creative solutions for problems. Maria Santiago is one of those visionary entrepreneurs. Drawing on her experience as a kindergarten teacher and her passion for helping children succeed, she transformed her idea into Create and Learn Tutoring, Inc. With guidance from the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF), she secured the funding and support needed to expand from a home-based operation into a thriving tutoring center dedicated to helping students build confidence, self-esteem, and academic success.

Create and Learn Tutoring serves students from Pre-K through eighth grade, providing personalized instruction in reading, phonics, math, and other core subjects. Reading is a particular focus, as Santiago believes a strong foundation in literacy is critical to long-term achievement. The company’s approach goes beyond academics, recognizing that each child learns differently and that emotional well-being plays a vital role in educational success.

“What sets us apart from other tutoring centers is that we focus not only on the academic aspect but also on the social-emotional side,” Santiago explains. “We’re looking not only at the student’s academic gaps but also their learning style and social-emotional state as well. Ours is personalized tutoring that meets your child where they are.”

When Santiago launched the business, she worked out of her home with only a handful of students. As demand for her services grew, she realized she needed additional space, capital, and a plan for expansion. Acting on her accountant’s recommendation, she turned to the FSBDC at UCF and consultant Jairo Batista for guidance.

“Originally, I just went to him knowing that I wanted to advance my business to the next level,” Santiago recalls. “I knew that eventually I had to find a center. I needed funding and I needed to be organized. That’s where Jairo came in. He helped me organize my thoughts and what my goals were and eventually we decided together that seeking funding was the best course of action.”

As an FSBDC access-to-capital specialist, Batista helped Santiago chart a path forward. Together, they developed a funding strategy, prepared a strong loan application, and connected with lenders that were a good fit for her business. The effort paid off when she secured the financing needed to support her expansion.

Batista’s assistance extended beyond funding. He also connected Santiago with commercial real estate professionals who helped her identify and secure a location for her tutoring center in Hunters Creek.

The results have been transformational.

“The changes I have seen ever since I started working with the FSBDC have been tremendous. Night and day,” Santiago affirms. “I went from a handful of students working out of my living room to now being in a commercial location with multiples of students and three times the revenue, which is incredible. I was able to add teachers, which meant I am able to take on even more students. I now have an established business that has grown tremendously.”

Today, Create and Learn Tutoring continues to help students overcome challenges, gain confidence, and achieve their academic goals.

“If you are considering working with the FSBDC, I would say—hands down—don’t hesitate,” Santiago concludes. “It is probably going to be the best decision you can make for your business.”

For information about Create and Learn Tutoring, please visit Cal Tutoring | Personalized Academic Support Services.