Number 390 August 21, 2026 St. Louis

Celebrating Black Business Month

All month long, Justine PETERSEN is celebrating Black Business Month by shining a light on Black-owned businesses making their mark across Missouri and Illinois.

This week, we cross the bridge into Illinois with Joy Academics, LLC and Michelle Brown. As both a teacher and a parent, she has a front-row seat to see how some students are at a high level, while others are lower and being left behind.

We celebrate Michelle Brown for the incredible work she has done across Champaign, Illinois, and recognize the meaningful difference Joy Academics, LLC continues to make.

Sometimes a Little Extra Help Can Make All the Difference

Picture courtesy of Facebook

Every child learns differently. Some pick things up quickly. Others need a little more time, a different approach, or simply someone willing to sit beside them and say, “We’re going to figure this out together.”

That understanding is at the heart of Joy Academics, LLC, founded by Michelle Brown.

As both a teacher and a parent, Michelle saw something that was difficult to ignore. There were children in her community falling behind in foundational reading and math skills, and there were parents who wanted to help but did not always have access to affordable tutoring and academic resources.

Michelle did not just see a problem. She saw an opportunity to do something about it.

Bridging the Gap Between School and Home

The mission behind Joy Academics is simple but incredibly important: to bridge the gap between school and home and give students the confidence they need to experience success in the classroom.

Joy Academics focuses on K–5 students who are at least one grade level behind in foundational reading and math skills. Through small-group instruction and a more personalized approach, students receive additional time to work on skills like phonics, reading fluency, math facts, problem-solving, and other building blocks they need to move forward.

And Michelle’s goal is not for students to need Joy Academics forever.

The goal is progress.

Joy Academics works toward helping students move up a grade level within six months. Once a student reaches their grade-level requirements, families are given next steps to continue that learning at home. And if they ever need a little extra help again, the door is still open.

Because sometimes confidence starts with finally understanding something that once felt impossible.

A Vision Still Needs an Opportunity

Michelle knew what she wanted Joy Academics to become. She knew the children she wanted to reach and the difference she believed the program could make.

But having the vision and having the resources to build it are two different things.

That is what brought Michelle to Justine PETERSEN.

She came to Justine PETERSEN and met with our counselor, Noah Lynn, to discuss what she needs to do to keep advancing her journey. Michelle was seeking access to capital and support to help strengthen Joy Academics and turn her passion for education into a sustainable business.

This is one of those stories where the connection makes sense.

At Justine PETERSEN, we talk a lot about removing barriers and creating opportunities. Michelle is doing much of the same thing, just inside the classroom.

When JP helps an entrepreneur like Michelle gain access to the resources needed to grow, that impact does not stop with the business owner.

It reaches the parents looking for help.

It reaches the families who need an affordable option.

And most importantly, it reaches the child who needs someone to believe they could catch up.

That is the kind of ripple effect we love to see.

Joy Academics is closing the learning gap one child at a time, and we are proud to be part of their journey.

Congratulations on the work that Michelle is doing in central Illinois! We look forward to seeing you and Joy Academics, LLC continue to grow.

Your Family Has Housing Rights

Having children should never prevent your family from having a fair opportunity to find housing.

Fair housing protections generally prohibit housing providers from refusing to rent to families with children, charging them differently, or steering them toward certain properties simply because children are part of the household.

Every family deserves a fair opportunity to find a place to call home.

Understanding your rights can help you recognize when something may not be right.

Are You Looking for a Loan with Better Terms?

DO YOU HAVE A HIGH-INTEREST AUTO LOAN?

Are you looking to SAVE on interest and reduce your monthly payments?

If you have made consecutive payments for the last 6 months, you may qualify!

Eligibility Criteria:

Current Auto Loan Amount: $20,000 or less

Current Interest Rate: 15% or higher

Learn more

SSBCI Ignite Illinois: Technical Assistance for Your Business!

When you work with Justine PETERSEN, you’re gaining a partner invested in your long-term success. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance to help you build a stronger financial future while growing your business.

Every Great Business Starts with Someone Who Believed in It.

Let us help you take the next step.

Get Started Today!