The Cozy Corner Learning Center in Concordia was recently purchased by Amber and Nathan Gentry. They purchased the business from former owners Jessica and Travis Palmer. The purchase included both the Cozy Corner Childcare Center and Preschool. Amber has been an employee of the childcare center since she enrolled her daughter in 2018.

Like most Kansas communities, Concordia has a shortage of quality childcare slots. The loss of a childcare center and preschool serving a combined total of 39 children would have been a blow to the community. The Gentry’s goal is to keep the two facilities up and running and continue the good work done by Jessica and Travis Palmer.

The couple received assistance from Nicki Reed from Cloud Corp. Funding for the project was provided by the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. (NWKEICI) Business Loan Program. “We are beyond grateful to both of these amazing organizations. Without their guidance, this would never have been possible.”

Ongoing support for the facilities will be available through the NWKEICI childcare initiatives which provide annual grant funding for staff longevity, early literacy and curriculum development.

The Gentry’s attribute the success of the program to the staff members and parents of the Cozy Corner. “We have amazing staff members and are forever grateful that our parents allow us to care for their children and help them grow.”

More information on the NWKEICI Business Loan Program and childcare grant initiatives can be found here.