ASHLAND, WIS. – Financial support, free coaching and resources are available for individuals who want to open new child care businesses in northwest Wisconsin. The new program provides nearly $8,000 for completing the requirements, a child care business training course, a toolkit with start-up materials, and access to a business coach. It is available in Ashland, Bayfield, Iron, Price, and Sawyer counties, where families increasingly need access to child care for their children. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people who love children, want to manage their own business, and help their community,” said Kelly Matthews of Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, which is leading the new initiative. “We’re looking forward to connecting with people in northwest Wisconsin about all this program has to offer them.”
The ECE BBP is a partnership of Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA), Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board (NWWIB) and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “We’re thrilled to be a partner in this initiative because access to child care is so important for the economic health of our region,” said Mari Kay-Nabozny, CEO of NWWIB. “When families have access to care, everyone benefits.”
For more information about the Early Childhood Education Business Builder Program (ECE BBP), contact Matthews at kmatthews@wisconsinearlychildhood.org or 608-230-8046. More details also are available in this digital brochure.