Rent-A-Kid
Rent-A-Kid: Small Hooves, Big Smiles
Rent-A-Kid is a unique, experience-based business that brings baby goats to birthday parties and special events across Southern Illinois. Both educational and entertaining, Rent-A-Kid offers customers a hands-on opportunity to interact with animals in a fun, memorable way. At its heart, Rent-A-Kid is built on strong customer service and a one-of-a-kind “goat cuddling” experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Teri’s family purchased their first pygmy goats in 2020, and as her children began caring for and learning from them, she saw an opportunity to share that experience with others. “I wanted the joy and education my kids were getting from raising goats to be shared with other kids within our community,” she said. What began as a small idea quickly resonated with families looking for something unique for their events.
As Rent-A-Kid took shape and received positive feedback, Teri recognized that continued growth would require more intentional planning. She wanted clearer direction on how to scale responsibly and move toward long-term sustainability, prompting her to seek additional guidance and accountability. To bring focus and momentum to her business, Teri entered the Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition powered by Regions. “This competition specifically lit a fire under me, motivating me to strive for more,” she shared.
Through the competition, Teri attended three educational workshops focused on business planning, financial projections, and pitch development. She also worked one-on-one with Illinois SBDC at SIU business advisors Michael Jessup and Aimee Wigfall. “They have been so helpful and really bridged the gap on information I didn’t know,” Teri said. “They helped me focus on both short-term and long-term goals.”
As a direct result of SBDC advising, Teri refined her pricing structure, improved her bookkeeping practices, and developed a clearer growth strategy. She also received market research to support her sales projections and strengthen her business plan. Feedback from the competition judges’ panel, comprised of bankers, attorneys, and economic development professionals, is now helping her further refine her plan and pitch. “I have a much better understanding of what a pitch is and how applying for a loan could really help grow my company,” she added.
As a result of her performance in the competition, Teri was awarded $4,000 in prize funding, along with in-kind legal services to support the continued development of her business. With a clearer roadmap and stronger foundation, Teri is now better positioned to grow Rent-A-Kid into a sustainable business that brings joy, education, and unforgettable experiences to families throughout Southern Illinois.