Every child has the potential within them to succeed at school and Keira Sparkes in Bay Roberts wants to tap into that potential with her new tutoring business Shining Stars Tutoring and Pre School Services!  

Keira launched her business at the start of the school year in 2022 as an in-home tutor, but with the help of CBDC Trinity Conception has recently opened her own in-person and online classrooms to support students throughout the region.  

“My business centres around after-school educational assistance for students between Grades Kindergarten - 12 in various subjects,” she says, explaining how she helps students complete homework, prepare for tests and exams, and also to offer some social guidance for children. “I also have an online program available for students (who) cannot attend in-person, where I complete the same activities with virtual accommodations.” 

Teachable Moment 

Keira always had a love of teaching, starting in high school when she began tutoring peers during her lunch periods for a stipend through a provincial government program. 

“But I could tell that most of them were not getting the help they needed because of external distractions, embarrassment and lack of time. So, I decided to start tutoring professionally after school when learning one-on-one could be more effective,” she says. “My business specifically allows me to see the progression of children's academic and social capabilities, in a way beneficial to both of us.” 

For Keira, offering private tutoring allows her to support the education of young people without the restrictions and limitations in a traditional classroom.  

“I can see through the comfort of my own procedures and rules how children can succeed and it's very satisfying.” 

As a business owner, she says she’s in control and it’s allowing her to build the life she’s always wanted to, while also living her dream of educating children.  

For the Love of Learning 

On average, Keira supports approximately 15 children per year, and she’s seen them succeed academically in areas where they would have had poor outcomes and grades. In addition, she says parents are grateful for the service, since they find helping their children with homework or studying can be stressful and put pressure on the relationship.  

“Besides school work, all of my clients understand that my door is always open for any type of advice (social, emotional, cultural, etc),” Keira says. “I can see that some children find a safety in my space to develop in other ways.” 

Learning By Heart 

As for the day-to-day running of her new business, Keira has been getting support from the Trinity Conception CBDC and Youth Ventures, which not only provided her with a CBDC Youth Loan, but also offered her marketing and communications advice to get the word out about her business.  

CBDC Trinity Conception supports all kinds of businesses with starting up or growing. Our offices provide support and encouragement, but can also point you in the right direction for funding or repayable loans with exceptional interest rates, allowing you to build the business of your dreams. If you’re ready to start a business, talk to one of our start-up experts and start on your path to success!