Adventures in Spanish (AiS) has been creating cultural connections and fostering a love for the Spanish language since its founding in 2006. Owned by Jessica Swartz and now directed by Kathryn López Resto, AiS is dedicated to sharing the richness of Spanish language and culture with families.

“I moved to Oregon as a child and didn’t know any English,” Kathryn shared. “I faced teasing and ostracism, which made me resent my heritage and my language. Only recently have I begun to embrace my culture fully.” This personal journey has fueled her passion for teaching children the beauty of the Spanish language. “It's an honor to show them how beautiful Spanish truly is,” she remarked. 

PCC SBDC: A Guiding Force

Before connecting with the Portland Community College Small Business Development Center (PCC SBDC), AiS faced significant challenges, particularly due to the pandemic. “Our business structure was unclear, processes were disorganized, and staff retention was becoming a serious problem,” Kathryn explained. “Financial strain compounded these difficulties, and there were times when it felt uncertain whether we could sustain the business at all.”

Working with the PCC SBDC marked a turning point for AiS. “The support we received was instrumental in helping us rebuild and regain stability,” Kathryn noted. “We received intensive feedback with Dr. Sean Harry regarding our marketing strategies, financial goals, and leadership development. He encouraged me to take the Advanced Small Business Management program, which connected me with other amazing business leaders.”

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

With the PCC SBDC’s support, AiS has made impactful changes. “Since working with the PCC SBDC, we’ve made several impactful changes in our business. One of the biggest shifts has been improving our overall business structure and streamlining our processes, which has led to better organization and efficiency,” Kathryn shared. Their focus on teacher retention has resulted in greater stability and satisfaction among staff, allowing them to concentrate on expanding programs like Mini Camp Saturdays and adult conversational classes.

“Our business is thriving as we continue to diversify our offerings and strengthen relationships with community partners,” Kathryn noted. They take pride in their growth, particularly in reaching more children through their immersive programs. 

Celebrating Milestones and Growth

AiS continues to achieve significant milestones. “One of our biggest accomplishments has been the successful retention of the majority of our teachers, which is vital for maintaining consistency in our programs,” Kathryn celebrated. “We’ve expanded our reach to over 35 schools, preschools, and Montessori programs, allowing us to introduce more children to the beauty of the Spanish language and its culture.”

The guidance from the PCC SBDC has helped AiS navigate staffing complexities and refine their business structure. “Their support helped us navigate staffing complexities, refine our business structure, and develop sustainable growth strategies,” she explained. “With their help, we’ve been able to strengthen our internal operations, allowing us to focus on expanding our offerings and building strong relationships with our educational partners.”

A Call to Action for Fellow Entrepreneurs

Kathryn encourages other small business owners to consider partnering with the PCC SBDC. “I would strongly encourage other small business owners to work with the PCC SBDC. Their support and guidance can make a real difference, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of running a business,” she advised. “The PCC SBDC offers personalized advice, resources, and strategies that help you tackle everything from financial management to staffing and business structure. For us, they’ve been invaluable in helping us gain clarity, stay organized, and develop a long-term vision for growth.”

Adventures in Spanish is a testament to resilience and the power of community. To learn more about their programs and explore the beauty of the Spanish language, visit adventuresinspanish.org.

Ready to Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Journey with the PCC SBDC?

Are you ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey or seeking support to take your small business to new heights? The PCC SBDC is here to help. Reach out to us and let your journey begin. Kathryn's story is just one example of the countless success stories our clients have created. Embrace the joy of entrepreneurship and create your unique path to success!