New Grant Program Announced For Daycare Providers!

Another state has announced plans for 2 new funding programs for daycare providers! They are intended to help childcare providers address capital needs and business planning to help daycares avoid common business pitfalls and improve the odds of long-term success.

These 2 new funding programs will provide grants and low-interest loans for the state's daycare providers. According to a spokesperson, "We know there is demand for quality, reliable childcare providers in our state to support our young working families with children. We believe these two programs provide funding to help stimulate the creation of more childcare options for them.”

The first program provides matching grants of up to $5,000 that can be used for infrastructure (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), and $10,000 for technical assistance or business planning. Both grants require providers to provide $1 in matching funds for every $3 in grant funds.

A total of $500,000 is available for the grants through the next year. The money will be distributed in two grant rounds. The deadline for applying for the first round is Oct. 31, 2009. Funding will be equally distributed between licensed profit, non-profit and public childcare facilities. Other criteria include facility history, the importance of the facility to the community and grants to support purchasing safety equipment.

Additional information for the grant program can be found by visiting the website.

The 2nd program provides up to $100,000 in low-interest loans from the state's development fund to acquire, lease, or remodel real estate, to purchase equipment or for working capital! The loan program has $1.25 million and applications are available at their website. Both programs will be available well into 2010 and are available to all licensed profit, nonprofit and public child care facilities.

For further information, please visit the website.