Reading By The Weeks
Lynne Weeks, founder of Reading By The Weeks, has turned her passion for helping children into a thriving business that supports struggling readers and individuals with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Her business specializes in using the Orton-Gillingham method, a systematic phonics-based approach designed to improve literacy skills. However, when Lynne first came to the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University (SIU), she had no idea how to transform her tutoring services into a formal business.
SBDC advisors Michael Jessup, Amy Dion, and Yemisi Anderson guided Lynne through the essential steps of establishing and managing her business. From financial planning and marketing to addressing day-to-day challenges, the SBDC team provided the framework Lynne needed to build a solid foundation.
“The SBDC was crucial in helping me establish my business,” Lynne said. “They walked me through each step and provided practical solutions as issues arose. Their guidance gave me confidence to move forward.”
As a participant of the Carbondale Accelerator Program (CAP), Lynne gained invaluable skills to launch and manage her business effectively. The program, combined with $1,200 in seed funding, gave Lynne the resources to take her business to the next level. “The CAP class helped me focus on my clients without stressing over the business side,” she shared.
The seed money allowed her to invest in her professional growth, and she plans to use it for advanced certification to become a Certified Dyslexia Specialist.
Thanks to the SBDC’s support, Lynne has grown her client base and can now focus on making a real difference in the lives of struggling readers. “When children struggle to read, parents often feel overwhelmed. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help,” Lynne explained. Her goal is to instill a love of reading in children while building their confidence and skills.
Lynne customizes each tutoring session to meet the unique needs of her students, ensuring they progress at every stage of their literacy journey. Today, Reading By The Weeks is thriving, and Lynne’s success shows how a small business can grow with the right support and resources.