New Jersey Family: Tell us about your business and what makes it unique?
Jen Greenspan: Yaycare is the first app to let parents book open spots at licensed daycares, preschools and camps. You can find, book and pay for open spots in just a few clicks, whenever, wherever.
Jen Greenspan: Yaycare is the first app to let parents book open spots at licensed daycares, preschools and camps. You can find, book and pay for open spots in just a few clicks, whenever, wherever.
NJF: When did you launch the business, and what was your biggest inspiration to get it off the ground?
JG: I launched the business in the summer of 2019. I was inspired to start Yaycare after I struggled to find flexible childcare out of the home for my infant daughter and figured there had to be an easier way. In the process of developing Yaycare, our mission has become even bigger: Connect parents to vetted childcare and educational programs for kids of all ages.
JG: I launched the business in the summer of 2019. I was inspired to start Yaycare after I struggled to find flexible childcare out of the home for my infant daughter and figured there had to be an easier way. In the process of developing Yaycare, our mission has become even bigger: Connect parents to vetted childcare and educational programs for kids of all ages.
NJF: How have you pivoted your business to adapt to this stressful and uncertain time?
JG: Our business has obviously been greatly affected by COVID-19. All New Jersey daycares, preschools and camps are shut down until further notice (except to essential workers). Knowing that the summer looks uncertain, we are currently exploring how we can best help NJ parents, whether it be offering virtual classes, camps, babysitting, etc.
JG: Our business has obviously been greatly affected by COVID-19. All New Jersey daycares, preschools and camps are shut down until further notice (except to essential workers). Knowing that the summer looks uncertain, we are currently exploring how we can best help NJ parents, whether it be offering virtual classes, camps, babysitting, etc.
NJF: If possible, how are you and your business giving back through this period?
JG: We’ve been donating to local charities supporting frontline workers and families negatively impacted by the pandemic (such as the Community Food Bank of NJ).
NJF: What will be the first thing you do as a business when this is behind us?
JG: We were in the process of expanding across the entire state of NJ before the quarantine, so we’re hoping to continue that once things are safe again!
NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?
JG: Whatever you do, make sure you’re passionate about it! I think this is particularly applicable to entrepreneurs, since there will be many long hours and grueling days where you’ll question why you started a business . But if you love what you do and truly believe in your idea, it will help you to stay motivated, even during the rough patches.
NJF: Is there anything else you’d like to add that we didn’t ask?
JG: If you have any questions, feedback, or want to connect, feel free to email me at jen@yaycare.app.
JG: If you have any questions, feedback, or want to connect, feel free to email me at jen@yaycare.app.