“We are deeply grateful for the support CEF has provided. Your partnership made it possible for us to open The Owl Academy and begin serving families in our community. We’re excited to continue growing intentionally, creating jobs, and providing children with a safe, loving place to learn and thrive.”
– Andrea Johnson, Owner

Q&A with Owners, Andrea & Nick Johnson

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
The Owl Academy is a nature-inspired, Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood education center located in Littleton, Colorado. We provide full-time and part-time childcare and preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. Our classrooms are designed around developmental stages, from nurturing infant care to play-based preschool and pre-kindergarten programs that prepare children socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten and beyond. Our program is unique in that we combine a professional, high-quality curriculum with the warm, community-oriented feel of home-like care. Children spend significant time outdoors on our acre-plus campus, exploring gardens, natural play areas, and open space designed to spark curiosity and creativity. We opened as The Owl Academy in 2025, but our leadership team brings many years of experience in childcare and education. In a short time, we’ve built a thriving community of families who value respectful, child-led learning and the importance of balancing play, exploration, and preparation for the future.

How did the idea for your business come about?
As parents ourselves, we saw a lack of quality early education. Most centers meet basic needs, but children must feel safe and LOVED first to truly learn. We created The Owl Academy to provide that foundation and a more personal, community-focused alternative.

How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry?
What we love most is watching children grow, discover, and gain confidence each day. The joy of seeing them feel safe, loved, and excited to learn makes this work deeply meaningful and rewarding.

What led your business to seek out new/additional funding?
We sought funding to launch The Owl Academy and cover monthly operational costs as well as furniture, fixtures, and equipment needed to open. This support allowed us to create a high-quality environment for children and focus on serving families from the very beginning.

How did you find out about CEF? 
We learned about CEF through a community referral. Other small business owners spoke highly of the support they received, and it felt like the right fit for helping us get The Owl Academy off the ground.

What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender?
We chose CEF as our lender because they offer so much more than funding. Their additional services—like marketing support, business guidance, and even legal resources—showed us they truly invest in the long-term success of their borrowers.

How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community?
The funding from CEF allowed us to open the doors of The Owl Academy, creating 10 jobs with more on the way as we continue to grow. It also gave families a safe, nurturing place for their children and strengthened our community by supporting both working parents and early childhood education.

What is on the horizon for you and your small business?
On the horizon, we’re focused on continuing to grow intentionally—honoring our facility as a community hub, opening more classrooms, and welcoming new families, all while maintaining the strong sense of connection that makes The Owl Academy special.

Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business?  
Yes. The Business Navigation team has helped us reflect on our goals, think strategically about growth, and stay grounded in our mission. Their guidance has been invaluable in giving us perspective and tools to build a stronger foundation for The Owl Academy.