May 16, 2025

Cultivating Care Across Riverside

More Than Daycare: WeKare’s expanded services benefit Riverside families with three thriving centers, offering more services and creating meaningful community impact.

When Celeste Etheridge and her husband opened WeKare Daycare & Preschool in 2010, their mission was to provide children from 6 weeks to 6 years old with a nurturing, high-quality early learning environment. Over the years, their Riverside location became a trusted place for families, but as their passion and community grew, so did their dreams. This led Celeste and her husband to envision a wider reach for WeKare Daycare & Preschool.

The chance to acquire not just one but two new locations in 2023 felt less like a simple business transaction and more like a pivotal opportunity to amplify their impact and offer a broader spectrum of support to local families. Celeste was “nervous and excited to take the leap of faith and proceed with both purchases simultaneously.”

Building the Framework for Growth

While the vision for growth was inspiring, acquiring two new locations simultaneously came with major financial hurdles. For guidance, Celeste turned to the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC).

Partnering with SBDC consultant Karla Gonzalez, Celeste received tailored support. From creating detailed financial projections and cash flow analyses to preparing loan applications, the SBDC team ensured she was ready to approach lenders confidently.

“The most valuable aspect of the SBDC’s assistance was the personalized one-on-one consulting and consistent communication with the lender,” said Celeste. Empowered by the SBDC’s guidance, Celeste obtained the necessary SBA loans and made additional capital investments to bring her vision to life.

Fostering Futures, Expanding Reach, and Strengthening Communities

Celeste successfully purchased both new locations, Mobley and Pedley, in 2024, expanding WeKare to three thriving centers in Riverside County. The expansion also created new jobs, boosted local employment, and strengthened community ties.

Today, WeKare Daycare & Preschool offers more services than ever, from meals and transportation to expanded educational programs. Reflecting on the journey, Celeste said, “I’m just super excited the SBDC were the ones that helped us accomplish our dream!”

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert, business consulting, training, and resources — all at no cost to you. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today.