During this year’s CO-100 event, ABSN co-founder Bridget Fitzpatrick spoke with the CEO of Sprout Labs Inc., Carla Small, about her company’s mission to help children with dyslexia learn to read. Sprout Labs combines AI-powered technology with reading expertise to make literacy education accessible for families across the country.
Small explained that 70% of fourth graders in the U.S. are not reading at grade level, and resources to address this gap are limited both nationally and at the individual family level. Therefore, Sprout Labs combines cutting-edge technology with expert reading instruction to create a scalable, effective, and easy-to-use system for families.
Although running a small business comes with its own challenges, Small emphasizes that passion and perseverance are essential. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas even without all the answers. Inspired by another female founder, Small said she realized that determination and drive are often more important than complete knowledge, especially when guided by a meaningful mission.
"Nobody has everything, but you have what it takes, especially with passion."
Looking ahead, Sprout Labs plans to expand and continue transforming lives with its AI reading system. Its blend of tech, expertise, and accessibility positions it to address literacy challenges and support families with dyslexia. Further, Small advises fellow entrepreneurs to follow passion, learn, and trust in their vision. For Sprout Labs, that vision helps children read and families celebrate milestones, showing that innovation can make a lasting impact.
To learn more about Sprout Labs, Inc., click here.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100