ROOTED IN JOY, BUILT ON PARTNERSHIP
Through realizing their own desires and having conversations with other families in the area, Nathan and Lisa Smith noticed a need for a place in their community centered around fun for children and families. With this in mind, they began to dream up Funtopia, a venue that would check those boxes.
“ We saw families looking for a safe, clean, imaginative indoor space where children could simply be children, especially during colder months,” Nathan says.“ We wanted to create something joyful and welcoming, where kids could explore and parents could relax. At its heart, Funtopia was built around the idea of creating a place where lasting memories are made.”
In order to bring this idea to life, the Smiths needed not only funding but also support from partners who truly believed in their vision. Starting a new business in a niche market, traditional financing felt intimidating.
With the objectives of Funtopia being age-appropriate play, tools to help children succeed and offering a place for families who need time to unwind while their children still gain essential developmental stimulation, the new facility couldn’ t afford to be seen as simply a number or profit margin. With this in mind, the Smiths soon found that the West Virginia Capital Access Program( WVCAP), managed by the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust( WVJIT), was the perfect funder for them.
The Smiths worked with Partner Community Capital( PCAP), a partner of WVCAP, to secure funding. Nathan says this collaboration was essential to the success of Funtopia, offering help when it was needed most.
“ What stood out about WVCAP and PCAP was their commitment to supporting West Virginia entrepreneurs and investing in community-centered ideas,” Nathan says.“ With PCAP, it never felt purely transactional, whereas trying to work with banks was all about numbers and what we could provide them in return.”
Nathan explains that this partnership helped Funtopia navigate the woes of starting a new business.
inquiries @ partnercapital. org | partnercapital. org |( 681) 252-4306 106 W Washington St 2nd Floor, Charles Town, WV
hello @ funtopiaplay. com |( 681) 513-1028 108 N. Charles St. Suite 100, Charles Town, WV