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Scotch Plains business owner named NJ’s SBA Person of the Year
Matthew Fazelpoor//March 16, 2023
This week, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the 2023 Small Business Persons of the Year from each state. In the Garden State, Lauren Borawski took home the honor for her Scotch Plains-based Child’s Play Challenge Courses.
The business, which was launched in 2015 by Borawski and her husband, Matthew, brings portable obstacle courses to clients’ backyards or event locations. Child’s Play is committed to keeping folks of all ages and abilities healthy, active and unplugged in a fun and motivational setting. Since its launch, the business has evolved into a multi-dimensional, holistic obstacle course that appeals to a broad client base, reaching more than 200,000 people in seven states.
Last year, it expanded and became a franchise, offering business opportunities throughout most of the country. Child’s Play employs roughly 20 gig-based personnel throughout the year.
“Every day I consider myself so fortunate to be among the many hard-working and resilient small business owners in New Jersey. We are forged together by our dedication and our commitment to make a difference in the communities we serve, and I am very proud to represent the esteemed entrepreneurs in our state,” said Borawski.
“Our 2023 State Small Business Persons of the Year have given their all to achieve their American dream – to own and build a strong, resilient business; create jobs, increase competition and innovation and power America’s historic economic recovery,” said Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “These incredible entrepreneurs show the vibrancy and grit of our nation’s small businesses. From Main Street to manufacturing hubs and tech centers, they are powering our economy. We hope their stories inspire and motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
“The N.J. Small Business Administration is proud to name Lauren Borawski from Child’s Play Challenge Courses LLC as the 2023 NJ Small Business Person of the Year,” said SBA District Director John Blackstock.
Blackstock noted the role of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Kean University in helping Child’s Play Challenge Courses as the business has grown and explored sales growth ideas, such as equipment rentals, leases, sales, and how to be current by changing out course components.
“I am so thankful to the SBA, the SBDC at Kean University and for the light that this honor will shine on my small family business,” said Borawski.
The winners will be recognized April 30 and May 1 during the National Small Business Week awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Mostly, I am thankful for my husband, Matt. Without him by my side, I wouldn’t have the privilege of being a small businessperson and I share this recognition with him and the many contributions we make together toward changing lives by challenging limits with Child’s Play Challenge Courses,” said Borawski.
The business belongs to the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce and participates in the Women’s Franchising Network Committee in Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey. And, Lauren and Matt are members of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.
