His company, Germantown Raceway, provides an avenue for radio-controlled (RC) car enthusiasts to explore their hobby, practice, and compete with other enthusiasts. The company gets its name from Danville’s historic Germantown area on the eastern end of Fairchild Street. Each week, RC racers gather to watch shows or participate in races–sometimes coming from hours out of state to join the fun.

“We have people come from around the Midwest to race here, as well as some local people,” Mike says. “We’re starting to get more traveling racers coming in now. We also do promotional things. We did kids racing for the Balloons Over Vermilion, a race at the county fair, and then we did another race at the airport for the car show.”

Mike says he was drawn to RC model cars after health conditions prevented him from continuing his previous hobby of racing stock cars. After realizing the nearest track was hours away, he was inspired to create an RC race track in Danville. “I used to race stock cars at Vermillion County Speedway and some other Midwest racetracks. My health deteriorated to the point where I couldn’t do that anymore, so I started racing RC cars, and the tracks were two hours away or farther. I wanted us to have one here so people wouldn’t have to travel so far to do it.”

When COVID hit, Germantown Raceway was starting to take off, and operations were forced to come to a standstill. Mike remained optimistic and reopened races and shows as soon as he could.

In 2021, he enrolled in the first cohort of the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp. Mike bought equipment like new batteries for the RC cars and a laser engraver to make custom merchandise with his seed funds, and he used what he learned in class to organize and promote the business. “I understand business a little bit better, and I’ve tried to do more advertising. I’ve tried to follow along with what I learned to make it grow, and it has. A lot more people know about it.”

He continues: “The Trep School is a great thing, and Tricia (Teague) is a really great teacher. She helped me through quite a lot of things I didn’t know how to do,” he says. “It’s just a great thing for our community to have because we need small businesses here. We’ve been depleted over the years, and she kind of stepped in to do something to help, and it has.”

You can check out the races on the Germantown Raceway Facebook page for updates on races and public exhibitions.

“I love to heal. I love to take care of people. I love to help people. I think that’s why I knew this was my calling because it feels like something I have to do even if I didn’t get paid,” she says.

In addition to being a masseuse, Shandra has created her own line of natural hair, body, and skincare products for her services, stating that she wants to help her clients avoid products that have harmful chemicals in them as they can cause health problems. She also sells the products for clients to take home.

Shandra says that participating in the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp helped her shift her perspective on why she does what she does. “It’s not just saying I’m a business to make money. I’m putting hard work in. I’m taking time. I’m watching it grow, but I’m also paying attention to what I’m doing, how I’m doing things, and why I’m doing things,” she says. 

She also says she loved “everything about class,” from the coursework to the one-on-one coaching sessions to meeting other entrepreneurs with different experiences from her own. She advises all entrepreneurs in the area to enroll in the class to get coaching.

After completing both Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp sessions in 2022, she started a second business, Glory2God Lawn Care, Landscaping, and Snow Removal. She says, “It’s another way for me to help people out. I get to help in nature, in God’s creation.”

You can call Shandra at (312) 613-2819 or email her to book an appointment for a consultation with either of her businesses!

The JumpOff is open from Thursday to Sunday for drop-ins, shared-space parties, and private events. Adults are always admitted free with paid child admission, and even grown-ups are encouraged to join the excitement. There’s also an on-site snack shop where guests can purchase pizza, slushies, and other funtime fare to fuel them through the afternoon’s activities.

Alvarez aims to make The JumpOff an inclusive space and has tailored several features to make the venue more comfortable for guests on the autism spectrum. With several sensory enrichment areas and a chalkboard wall already in place, he plans to add new features to enhance the experience even more.

Before opening The JumpOff, Alvarez worked in youth development for over 20 years, running after-school programs and working in behavioral health intervention and youth ministry. He says he sees this business as another avenue to continue this critical work. “The educational work that I do is really in informal and experiential settings. I use playing games as tools for development work with young people,” he says. “Connections around play and playful experiences are really the ones that I think have been the most powerful for me, as well as for the young people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.”

Around the time that Alvarez launched The JumpOff, he enrolled in the 2022 sessions of the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp. In his eyes, the course material made him see bootstrapping–building a business from the ground up with little capital or resources–in a different light.

“What I got from The Trep School at the time was really permission to launch what I considered a major business enterprise. Lots of people start their companies by bootstrapping, but we don’t find out about those companies until long after they become successful, large corporations. They often start with someone who just had to cobble together some answers to a question or solution to a problem,” he says. “The Trep School was the place where I grew in confidence that I could compete in this market with an idea. Our business shifted during that time from being a side hustle to a legit business.”

The JumpOff wasn’t Alvarez’s first entrepreneurial venture, and he says the Trep OnTrack Bootcamp made a substantial difference in the experience of starting a new small business.

“There are a variety of programs that are aimed at helping small businesses get started. I will say of the Trep program, it is unique in that it’s the first experience that I’ve had as a minority-owned business, as an African-American-owned business, that has felt the least sort of intimidating to start up,” he states. “There’s something really intimidating about entering a Chamber of Commerce or some of the other business startup programs. There’s this sense that you have to have all your ducks in a row before they even talk to you, before they will even look at you. As a minority-owned business, that is a difficult space to be in, a vulnerable space to be in, because there’s always concern. Are they looking at me the right way? Are they going to judge my stuff the right way? Are they scrutinizing me in a way that has anything to do with where I’m coming from or my background? In The Trep School, that concern is blown right out of the window.”

He continues, “There’s no anxiety, no worry about whether or not that’s an issue. It’s easier to be open and get the advice, input, ideas, and feedback you need. I didn’t feel the same reservations about sharing like, ‘Hey, we’re still figuring this part out, and we’re still figuring that part out. We don’t have it all together yet.’ And I didn’t feel like, ‘Are they going to judge me for that?'”

Two years later, The JumpOff is a thriving business. Check out all The JumpOff offers on their website and follow along for updates on their Facebook page.

Attending the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp in 2021 was a powerful catalyst for change in Terry’s career. At the time, he had already been in business for four years and was dreaming of taking the barbershop to the next level. “In so many ways, I became stronger and wiser in the business industry,” he says. “I’ve gained so many resources and relationships with other like-minded business owners. This class taught me to chase my dreams and that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.” He cites the “great class and amazing teacher” (referring to The Trep School CEO Tricia Teague) as his most significant sources of inspiration for growing his business and striving for greatness.

The seed funds from the Trep OnTrack program, funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority R3 grant, helped him secure a second location in Downtown Danville to expand A+ Cutz Barbershop. The $3,000 contribution paid the rent for six months at the new barbershop on North Street. According to Terry, a second location was always in the plans before starting the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp, but completing the program helped his dream come to fruition.

Terry’s mission in life and career is to impact the community positively. In addition to running two successful barbershops, he’s passionate about educating the next generation of professional barbers. He is currently preparing to pilot the first accredited barber college program in Danville in partnership with Danville Area Community College. The new barbering school is located inside the Village Mall.
Hop over to the A+ Cutz website to learn more about Terry and his team’s services and book an appointment. You can also follow the A+ Cutz Barbershop official Facebook page to stay updated!

Tamara pivoted the business to a (mostly) wholesale model when, with the help of the Trep OnTrack curriculum and individual coaching, she realized that it could be more beneficial to her inventory and sales strategy.

“At the start of Trep OnTrack, I had launched my own website about 6 months prior. I was stocking it with a few card designs and whatever art prints I had. I was a bit stuck because I had to outsource all of the printing, and I really couldn’t afford much inventory,” she says. “Plus, being a new business, I had no way to gauge what inventory I needed and ended up with excess products like Mother’s Day and Christmas cards.”

After attending the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp in 2022, the program helped her narrow her focus and strengthen her main products to establish herself and her small business. “As an artist, and a creative in general, it is very easy for me to want to do everything, all of the time, whatever excites me the most that day. And while that works for just creating and having fun, it does not make for a successful small business,” states Tamara. “I realized that narrowing down my focus would enable me to be more successful and reach more people with my art. And it’s not a negative thing that I wasn’t doing 30 different products like I’ve seen pre-established illustrators do.”

Tamara used her seed funds to purchase a high-end printing set that enables her to print her own goods at home, which she says saves her loads of time and money compared to when she was previously outsourcing print production. She used what was left over to purchase an iPad to allow her to create on the go, a large desk, and a few storage units to complete her home studio.

Tamara prizes the connections she made with fellow classmates in the program, and thinks that forming these relationships is one of the most important aspects of the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp. “While the material was immensely useful, getting connected with my local entrepreneurial community with amazing minds and resources will benefit me in ways I cannot even see yet,” she says.

Check out Tamara’s cards on her Instagram and keep your eyes peeled for updates on her official Tamara Ruth A.R.T. Facebook page!

Speaking on her entrepreneurial journey, Tamara says it hasn’t been an easy road. She started her daycare business in 2013 because she saw a need, noticing many single mothers in the area struggling to find a safe, reliable place to send their children while they worked. Navigating the basics of starting a business, let alone the process to become a licensed home daycare, was overwhelming and difficult, she states.

“I didn’t have the resources like we have now, and it was difficult starting up because I didn’t know what to expect…all the regulations, budgeting, how to advertise, who to contact, and stuff like that,” Tamara says of her early days in the business.  

With the education and resources she received in the 2021 cohort of the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp, Tamara was inspired to start tackling another business idea: a space for adults and children to play games and share joy together. She can pinpoint the exact moment in class when the idea for this new venture popped into her head. “It was October 28th when I was in a class with Tricia (Teague) and it just dawned on me. We were learning about marketing, and I had this idea for something we don’t have around here,” she says. “Socialization for children has dwindled ever since COVID, and families are more distant now than when we were in isolation. It’s just based on family time.”

Tamara says the program helped her develop a better business plan as well as more complete research and marketing strategies, stating, “I’m glad that it’s here, in Danville. I wish we had it a long time ago, but there’s no better time than the present. I’m just so glad that we have somewhere to go to get educated and talk about strategy and business issues.”

The seed funds from the program helped her get ahead on rent and buy some gaming equipment to start working on her second business venture.

Tamara also says she found value in having other entrepreneurs as classmates, each acting as a sounding board to brainstorm ideas and get honest feedback.

You can learn more about URE Daycare on their website or Facebook page.

Offering both competitive and non-competitve classes, Tierra operates her company in two studio locations, one in Danville and one in Urbana. She also rents out her studio spaces to accommodate events, and is currently in the process of transitioning the business into a full-blown event center. 

When Tierra enrolled in the Trep School in 2021, she had already been in business for four years and had just moved into a larger building to be able to serve larger groups and expand her target market. She says the program was instrumental in her business’ evolution. “It helped me focus on the details that needed to be done, especially behind the scenes,” she states. “The program also helped me build confidence within myself and my brand.”

She used her seed funds from the program to purchase marketing materials and studio decor. It also helped her cover a month’s worth of studio rent and utilities to get ahead.

Tierra considers the in-class instruction to be the most impactful part of the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp, stating that her favorite part of the program was having the opportunity to talk business with other like minded individuals. :We were able to speak freely and hear the ideas of others, as well as receive feedback,” she says.

Finally, Tierra has a few words of encouragement to share with anyone considering enrolling in the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp: “It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting a business or if you’ve been in business 10 years! This class is a MUST! Also, if you haven’t formally met Tricia Teague, you’re missing out on networking with an amazing individual! The time is now, don’t wait, just do it!”

Keep up with FYEnally Raw Studios on Facebook and check out the different classes they offer!

When he returned to the Danville area in 2021, Hunter wanted to use his newfound knowledge to create change in the community he grew up in. 

Together with his partner Hannah, Hunter operates It’s In Your Head to provide mental, physical, and emotional health training and resources. Their ultimate goal is to teach people how to care for themselves to lead healthier, happier, more sustainable lifestyles. They teach yoga, breath work, exercise, nutrition, and mindset training as part of their wellness curriculum. Their clients include community organizations, local schools (staff and students), and businesses seeking to create a healthier work environment.

According to Hunter, getting started was the hardest part. “We were scraping by teaching yoga classes in the park and searching for our first clients. We are now working in multiple schools. We closed out last year seeing around 1200 kids a week.” Using that momentum, he’s continuing to expand It’s In Your Head and add to his team as they seek more opportunities to impact the community. 

Hunter looks back on his time in the 2022 Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp cohort as a crucial part of his entrepreneurial journey. “It gave me the tools and confidence to make my business succeed,” he says. “There are so many things you don’t know or even consider looking into, but Trep lays it all out for your success.”

Hunter and Hannah pitched It’s In Your Head at the 2022 Trep OnTrack Pitch Contest, winning first place and the $5,000 grand prize. With that money, they expanded their capabilities online with added storage, purchased an air purifier to enhance breathwork classes, and invested in tools to record better sound for their video catalog.

Like many of his fellow graduates, Hunter feels that the most valuable contribution of the class was getting to work with Trep School founder and coach Tricia Teague. “The ability to have someone you can bounce ideas off of, share experiences with, and get guidance from was priceless,” he says. “The Trep School and Tricia have made such an incredible impact on this community, empowering people who would otherwise not have access to this information the ability to make their dreams come true.”

You can find more information on the programs offered by It’s In Your Head online or follow them on Facebook for updates.

Speaking on her experience, Shanna says, “I had just gotten certified to teach, and I was ready to start my business, but I had no direction or idea as to where to start. Today, I have a thriving yoga business with a solid foundation and I get to do what I love every day!”

She started her company, Sadhana Yoga, in early 2022 when she decided to become a yoga teacher after ten years as a student. “Yoga quickly became a big part of my life as I began to understand how to heal and find balance in both my mind and my body. Learning ways to heal and regulate our system has always been a passion of mine. It is so essential to our everyday quality of life,” she says, stating that she was inspired to launch Sadhana Yoga to help clients find their own healing and inner calm through breath, movement, and practices. Through her programs and classes, she aims to teach clients how to honor their bodies and develop a daily practice of their own.

Because she launched while attending the program’s weekly classes, she was able to apply lessons in real time as she built her business from the ground up. According to Shanna, it made all the difference.

“The program gave me insight, direction, and purpose when it came to my yoga business. I was able to learn how to create a solid foundation and implement the best business practices that I learned in class,” she says. “I was able to avoid common mistakes and create efficient processes. I had the information, tools, and support system that I needed to be successful. I am so grateful to have had this amazing learning opportunity!”

Shanna used her $3,000 seed fund grant from the program to purchase video equipment, yoga equipment, branding, and marketing content. She also allocated a portion of the funds to hire a web developer, who helped her build a website that she uses to advertise her services and find new clients.

All in all, the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp proved to be an invaluable asset to Shanna’s business. “The support from Tricia (Teague)  and her team, the information provided, the community support and the people I connected with, and of course, the money was awesome too! I would do the entire thing over if I could! I learned so much and met some amazing people! My business would not be near what it is today without this program.”

You can learn more about Shanna’s one-on-one yoga classes and group programs on her website or Facebook page.

At Precious Time Pampering, Precious treats her clients to expert spa services like facials, body treatments, and waxing. Her offerings are tailored to each client–including men and teens–to help each person that enters the spa achieve his or her aesthetic goals as well as a sense of relaxation, rejuvenation, and revival. Precious says she believes that “self-care is the best care.”

The Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp is funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority R3 grant and helps area small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs understand what it takes to succeed, providing resources like classroom education, training, workshops, funds, and individual and group coaching sessions to help them start or boost a business.

Before enrolling, Precious had many lucrative ideas to grow her spa business but hesitated to act on them, including a signature service called Spa and Brunch, where clients are treated to a full brunch menu paired with a featured spa treatment. She says the class helped her make the idea a reality, stating, “I hadn’t hosted any Spa and Brunches. I’ve currently hosted 10. I had already thought about doing them before taking the class, but it pushed me to set a goal to do one a month and really helped me to get them going. The program motivated me to work on my plans, execute my goals, and reach some of my revenue targets.”

Precious spent her Trep OnTrack graduate grant to purchase a Macbook Pro and a third spa bed, two items she used to uplevel her business. She uses the Macbook Pro for scheduling appointments, marketing her services, promoting her brand, and everything business related. 

“It helped me because I was using an old Dell laptop that I had to keep plugged in. I was overdue for an upgrade, and it helped me feel more professional, too.”

The spa bed she used her funds for is one that not only improves her customers’ experiences; it also makes it easier for her to transition from her spa studio to wellness services on the go:

“I keep that third spa bed in the spa because it’s bigger and has a built-in electric heater. I can pack and use my other two for mobile services, but I use this one every day,” she says.

The program’s one-on-one business coaching is what Precious considers the most valuable part of Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp, stating that coaching helped her break down goals into bite-size, actionable steps that were less overwhelming, allowing her to take control of her plans and make them a reality.

“I think the coaching is what helped push me the most with product sales, marketing, and having those Spa and Brunches once a month,” she says. “It was like, you have these products and you want to do this. What’s stopping you?”

She also says the motivation didn’t just come from how she was coached; it was receiving coaching from someone she considers a positive influence, too. Precious cited Trep School CEO and coach Tricia Teague as a role model, saying that seeing someone like Tricia make progress and succeed in business is a significant inspiration for new entrepreneurs to take on their dreams. 

“It’s a very motivating program, and she’s very inspiring. Seeing what she’s done with the new building and the program and everything really shows you what can be done. She wants to see everyone succeed.”
See how Precious can help you achieve your aesthetic goals or relax and unwind by checking out Precious Time Pampering online!