Melnika Hale has always been passionate about helping children succeed. This dedication led her to earn an associate degree in early childhood education and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR).

After graduating, she began her career as a speech therapist assistant in 2015. Four years later, Melnika took the next step and founded La Ta Da Enrichment Therapy Services. Her business is based in Benton, Arkansas, located in Saline County, about 25 miles southwest of Little Rock.

What Melnika loves most about her work is the opportunity to interact with children, watching them grow, overcome challenges, and make progress. After more than nine years of working as a subcontractor for other therapy providers, she decided it was time to establish her own facility.

With this goal in mind, Melnika began applying for loans to fund her business. However, she faced several rejections and struggled to find an institution willing to approve her application. Her persistence paid off when Consulting Manager Brandon Horvath from the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) recognized the potential of her mission and referred her to Economic Development Loan Officer Candence Brooks and the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU).

Candence became a champion for Melnika’s vision, advocating for her throughout the loan process. With funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Melnika received a loan from CU to cover real estate and equipment costs while also getting working capital for any other business needs. This financial support has enabled her to take crucial steps toward bringing her vision to life.

Reflecting on her experience working with Candence, Melnika shared.

“Candence really fought for me.”

— Melnika Hale, Owner of La Ta Da Enrichment Therapy Services

With funding secured, Melnika has leased a building and begun renovations for her facility. She plans to start with speech and occupational therapy, hiring therapists and assistants, and later expand to physical therapy. This investment sets the foundation for a profitable, self-reliant business, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.

“We’re on track to get everything up and running soon,” she says.

Even after the loan was approved, Candence continued to offer support, meeting with Melnika weekly to help her navigate the next steps for her business. She also connected Melnika with resources for marketing and website development.

Candence is equally excited about the future of La Ta Da Enrichment Therapy Services.

“Melnika is passionate about the community that she serves. She aspires to create a safe space for therapy where children can thrive. Throughout our loan process, Melnika has been very responsive and patient. Her professionalism made working with her easy. I’m excited about this business.”

— Candence Brooks, CU Economic Development Loan Officer

For Melnika, seeing her vision come to life is deeply rewarding.

“Being able to see my dream come to fruition — my vision coming to light — I’m excited about that."

— Melnika Hale