Introducing Start Small: Build Your Childcare Business

 

updated 3/12/24

A Mentoring Program to Empower In-Home Childcare Entrepreneurs in Houghton County

HOUGHTON COUNTY, MI — In response to the pressing need for accessible and high-quality childcare services in Houghton County, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Start Small: Build Your Childcare Business, a groundbreaking mentoring program aimed at supporting individuals interested in starting their own in-home childcare business.

What sets Start Small apart is its commitment to quality and sustainability, providing a comprehensive one-on-one mentoring experience at no cost to participants. The program is ideal for parents seeking to add income while staying at home with their children, early childhood professionals pursuing independence, and anyone passionate about establishing an in-home childcare business.

Key Program Features:

  • Start Small is an entirely free program that supports aspiring childcare entrepreneurs to build quality and sustainable programs.

  • An experienced local coach is available to provide one-on-one assistance in creating a business plan tailored to the individual situations of participants.

  • Step-by-step licensing guidance is provided by the coach to help participants navigate the licensing process with ease and confidence, ensuring a smooth start to in-home childcare businesses.

  • Program participants will have access to potential funding through grants and small business loans to support new childcare businesses with start-up costs.

  • A supportive network of childcare entrepreneurs will be built to foster collaboration and growth among programs.

  • Start Small will focus on learning sustainable business practices and contribute to the quality of early childcare experiences for children in Houghton County.

Start Small will be led by Abbey Carlson. Carlson has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, including six years of operating her own in-home childcare provider. Carlson draws on her extensive experience as an in-home childcare provider to guide participants through educational modules and the licensing process. Together Carlson and the participants will work towards building successful, sustainable, and high-quality childcare businesses in Houghton County.

Houghton County has been experiencing a significant shortage of early childhood care and education slots, leaving over 600 children without access to licensed childcare programs. The impact on the local economy is evident, with challenges such as increased employee absences and tardiness, as reported by the Houghton County Rural Child Care Innovation Project. A recent survey by the UP Early Childhood Education Taskforce showed that 30% of parents have had to leave the workforce, reduce hours or turn down positions due to the childcare shortage.

Houghton County Commissioners recognized the impact of this shortage and the importance of building and expanding access to child care in the community. Quality childcare programs are essential for economic development, family well-being and ensuring healthy child development. Houghton County Commissioners approved the initial funding for this project by allocating American Rescue Plan Act funding to support Start Small during its first year of operation.

Start Small aims to address this gap, providing not only a solution for individual entrepreneurs but contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.

“By investing in high-quality early childhood programs, we strive to offer the best opportunities for children to grow and learn”, said Iola Brubaker, Director of the Copper Country Great Start Collaborative (CCGSC). The Copper Country Great Start Collaborative has been working with parents and community groups to develop ways to address the childcare shortage. “Launching Start Small has been a community effort”, said Brubaker. “Our collaborative partners the Keweenaw Economic Development Association, Keweenaw Community Foundation, the Keweenaw Family Resource Center and the Great Start to Quality UP Resource Center have played important roles in helping us design, grow and implement this project.”

past Open Houses

Start Small hosted a series of informational open houses on:

Tuesday, February 27, 2024: 5-6:30 pm @ South Range Elementary in South Range, MI

Wednesday, March 6, 2024: 3:30-5:00 pm @ Keweenaw Community Foundation in Hancock, MI

Thursday, March 7, 2024: 1:00-2:30 pm @ Keweenaw Coffee Works in Calumet, MI

These informational sessions were designed for individuals who wanted to know more about Start Small or child care in the community, to meet the childcare coach, Abbey Carlson, and to learn about the process. Thank you to all who attended and signed up to start the process!

For more information about Start Small or to apply, please visit www.startsmallcoppercountry.org or contact Abbey Carlson at StartSmall@KFRCkids.org or by calling 906-482-9363.

 
 
Keweenaw Community Foundation