UpGrade Educational Services, LLC
710 North 64th Street
Waco, Texas 76710
Ph: (254) 235-9515

At the time of arrival to the MCC-SBDC Dr. Michaelis and his business partner Ms. Adrielle Selke were in the pre-venture stage of starting their educational support company that now provides general academic tutoring, test preparation and educational therapies to students in need of assistance to reach their educational goals.  Mr. Joel Michaelis, PhD combined his experience as a post-secondary administrator with Ms. Adrielle Selke’s 5 years of small business success as owner and operator of ReadSmart.  ReadSmart provided similar educational services as then proposed UpGrade.  Dr. Michaelis and Ms. Selke’s original reason for seeking the assistance of MCC-SBDC was to start and develop an educational support service for students and parents in the greater Waco are.  The type of assistance rendered by counselor Michael Green consisted of face to face counseling sessions.  Over a 4 month period specific assistance rendered by M. Green and actions taken by Dr. Michaelis and Ms. Selke included: development of a business plan, establishment/start of business, and securing a $200,000.00 business loan.  Since starting his business, clients have attended several training sessions or events facilitated by MCC-SBDC.  Dr. Michaelis and his partner are now realizing consistent yet controlled growth.  UpGrade now employs 2 part-time employees and 2 full-time employees.   

The effect of the counseling assistance on the business was noteworthy.  As a direct result of face to face counseling with SBDC, Dr. Michaelis and Ms. Selke were able to start Upgrade Educational Services, LLC.  Clients were also able to secure an adequate business loan in order to launch their business.  Clients now have a significant number of students currently enrolled in many of their offered educational programs.