Husband and Wife Team Start Bilingual Pediatric Therapy Clinic

 In the diverse landscape of healthcare, the need for pediatric therapy in Arkansas is essential, underscoring the pressing need for specialized services tailored to the Spanish-speaking population. While the state continues to witness a growing demographic of Spanish-speaking families, ensuring the provision of comprehensive pediatric therapy becomes a must for families in these communities. The husband-and-wife duo Jeremiah Fleeman and Ashley Villarreal Fleeman recognized the need for specific support and opened a pediatric therapy clinic specially tailored toward the Spanish-speaking community.

    “We were both feeling burnout in our jobs,” said Ashley Villarreal Fleeman, Amigos Pediatric Therapy Co-Owner and Founder. “We lacked the freedom and creativity that we felt was necessary to serve our clients and the kids. After applying to different positions in different companies - some of which had nothing to do with therapy - we asked ourselves why not try and do it ourselves.”

    With their idea in full swing, the next step was to access capital to build their business. Starting a new pediatric therapy clinic required an establishment, supplies, marketing resources, and more. Knowing what they wanted and needed for the clinic, the two sought different types of assistance for their small business. 

Researching small business capital online, the couple found the U.S. Small Business Administration and the resources they had for new and growing businesses. After some thorough research and careful planning, the two decided to apply for a 7(a) Guaranteed Loan.

    “The SBA 7(a) Guaranteed loan was the catalyst that fueled the growth of our small business,” Ashley Villarreal Fleeman said. “We received a loan for $100,000 and it provided the essential financial foundation to acquire the resources and tools necessary to successfully equip our business.”

Though they are a young company, they have started serving multiple clients and receiving outside referrals two to three times per week. When they are not in the clinic treating patients or creating appointments, they are out in the community. With a passion for sharing their culture, they participate in events that provide an opportunity to present their business to others and to support the Hispanic community.

    “Helping and being part of the Hispanic and Latino community has always been a dream of ours,” Ashley Villarreal Fleeman said. “Outpatient pediatric therapy is nothing new in Central Arkansas. Even before dreaming up AMIGOS, we talked about how therapy is often delivered in the same method no matter the demographic. Delivering therapy in a way that respects Hispanic and Latino cultures and traditions leads to better outcomes for our clients, hands-down.”

    The team created not just a business, but a haven for children in need of therapeutic care. In the heartbeat of every session, echoes the SBA’s crucial role in shaping the journey toward healing, hope, and small business ownership.