Small Business Cents

[#1]

With more parents working full time jobs, the demand for child care programs is extremely high; unfortunately, that demand heavily outweighs the current supply.  There simply aren't enough programs to accommodate the millions of children that require care. Considering simple laws of supply and demand, it's no surprise that the price of child care has become nearly unaffordable.  The average annual cost of child care programs is higher than the average tuition for public higher education. In many cases, this dynamic has made staying home a more affordable option than continuing to work while paying for child care.

On a positive note, this dilemma has stimulated the creation of new small businesses. The large number of in-home child care providers is one indicator that people are beginning to make adjustments. Non-traditional child care programs such as these have become an attractive option for many working parents. The majority of child care providers now operate through small businesses.

Federal and state governments are aware of and sensitive to the difficulties facing the child care industry. The Department of Health and Human Services established the Child Care Bureau to serve as an information resource for the child care community and to improve the quality of early care programs. Each state has a division of its government dedicated to child services. Operating under the Child Care Bureau, the National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center provides detailed state profiles and access to your state's lead child care agency.

To promote the development of new child care providers and enhance the quality of existing programs, grant and loan opportunities were established through many different government agencies and organizations. These funding programs provide assistance for everything from start-up to operational costs to general business improvements.  In an effort to raise awareness, and assist the business community in finding these opportunities, we have added a child care section to Business.gov's Loans and Grants Search tool. If you own a child care business or are considering starting one, utilize this tool to help find specific funding that may be available to you based on your location.  There is money available; you just have to go out and get it!

Visit the community's Loans and Grants Discussion Board to engage with other users about the child care industry and its available funding opportunities.

Message Edited by JamieD on 03-30-2009 07:53 AM

[#2]

Great information, my wife is looking in to this industry and I was trying to find out how the state and government would play in to the lending and operating process. Thanks

Addison

Pre-Settlement Funding

Message Edited by NicoleD on 09-30-2009 12:49 PM

[#3]

Government grants and loans are just too hard to'qualify' for. I find it easier to get a worse loan from a bank because its simply... more conveniant. 

Omer A.

MMORPG and Game MusicSite Owner

VG Alliance LLC (New Jersey)

Message Edited by NicoleD on 08-10-2009 09:34 AM

Message Edited by NicoleD on 09-30-2009 12:49 PM

[#4]

It is a very interesting fact that federal and state governments are aware of and sensitive to the difficulties facing the child care industry which is an essential industry in our society and community I must admit. 

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Message Edited by NicoleD on 09-30-2009 12:49 PM

[#5]

In a few states, special loan programs have being developed to help child care programs access immediate funds at affordable rates, like Washington and Oregon's Cascadia Child Care Fund. Contact your local licensing office or Small Business Administration (SBA) for information about financing child care as a small business opportunity. There may also be special initiatives available through the SBA or through local women's organizations to help finance women-owned and -operated businesses as well.

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Message Edited by NicoleD on 08-10-2009 09:33 AM

[#6]

Very impressed about all the lesson there are to learn and to know how much help is there also. Keep up the great work



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Message Edited by NicoleD on 08-10-2009 09:34 AM

[#7]

child care industry is most important fact now for our future, because if we nurture it tha for sure, it will be benefited for our own nation. Silk Flowers

Message Edited by NicoleD on 11-09-2009 10:22 AM

[#8]

In the UK there is apparently a child trust fund that gives each parent up to £250 each - the idea is to give each child a head start in saving for their future - what a great idea the uk has!

Message Edited by NicoleD on 12-01-2009 11:35 AM