Grants available for childcare entrepreneurs

Caring for MI Future is a statewide effort to help childcare entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded childcare programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE and LARA), is focusing on helping entrepreneurs find and renovate space, start up funding, recruit staff, and create a business plan.

by Sara Swanson

Are you an unlicensed or recently licensed childcare provider in Manchester? Are you thinking about starting a childcare business? Would you be interested in a grant to become licensed or expand your business?

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced last week that their Child Care Licensing Bureau will begin accepting applications for the $23 million prelicensure and start-up grants to assist childcare entrepreneurs to open or expand programs by the end of 2024. Applications for startup grants can be submitted through their website at Michigan.gov/MIChildcare

“Childcare programs are the ‘silent drivers’ of our economy because without them, many parents aren’t able to work to support their families. We need safe, affordable childcare that is available to parents in all corners of the state,” said LARA Director Orlene Hawks.

Start-up grants will be available for two groups of childcare entrepreneurs:

• Childcare entrepreneurs who have not yet completed the process of becoming licensed will have access to funding for securing a location, fire and health inspections, and items necessary for opening their business.
• Childcare entrepreneurs who were recently licensed to help with classroom supplies, staff recruitment, and other costs associated with opening a new business.

Through their website, interested entrepreneurs can connect with a trained childcare navigator to access prelicensure and start-up grants, as well as other business support services.

Additionally, there will be a Child Care Access Fair in Jackson on Saturday, November 19, from 11am to 1pm in the City Hall, 2nd Floor, located at 161 W Michigan Ave. Connect in person with the Licensing Bureau and local experts to get help starting an in-home childcare business or expanding into a childcare center. Questions? Contact Alexandra Dooley at dooleya4@michigan.gov.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.