Few spots remain for child care business owners to receive free startup training
Aug. 8, 2024
This paid piece is sponsored by Startup Sioux Falls.
Men and women, new and existing child care providers are responding in a big way to free upcoming business accelerators.
In partnership with Startup Sioux Falls, SD CEO East Women’s Business Center and LSS are helping facilitate two cohorts of child care entrepreneurs for training this fall.
“We’re excited about the response,” said Sadie Swier, director of SD CEO East Women’s Business Center. “We’ve had a great variety of interest from across the Sioux Falls metro area.”
A few spots remain for the 10-week program, which starts in September. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Aug. 11.
“A common question we receive is whether child care can be a viable business, and yes it can!” Swier said. “Starting up with an in-home business before going directly into a child care center is a different strategy we’re excited to educate interested business owners.”
The Childcare Accelerator powered by CO.STARTERS will be a free program with three-hour sessions over 10 weeks at Startup Sioux Falls in downtown.
Content will focus on tangible business resources while also including South Dakota-specific requirements for opening a child care business.
“The facilitator, Karen Rieck, is an in-home child care business owner herself and child care trainer with Avera,” Swier said. “She’s a passionate and empowering educator who will be a great fit for the program!”
Speakers each week will address business topics such as keeping and growing customers, pricing, cash flow and marketing.
“The ultimate goal is for applicants to be ready to open their child care business after graduation in mid-November,” Swier said.
“One mindset we want to encourage throughout this program is that these participants are business owners and not just babysitters. This is why it’s so important to include business training alongside the many aspects of child care. We also want to bring more attention to in-home child care as a business startup with realistic growth potential.”
Additionally, LSS is hosting a multilingual cohort. Its 10-week Introduction to Childcare Services curriculum is underway and includes the support necessary to pass the required Level 1 Orientation for child care providers, CPR and first-aid training offered through Sanford Children’s Hospital.
The second phase, in partnership with Startup Sioux Falls, is a 10-week multilingual CO.STARTERS business accelerator boot camp, with guest speakers providing insight on various elements of the child care field.
Twenty-nine participants are going through the program and are on their fifth week of the CO.STARTERS cohort being facilitated at the LSS Center for New Americans.
“The LSS cohorts, one on Wednesday evenings and one on Friday afternoons, are asking excellent questions of the facilitators and guest speakers.” said Laura Smith-Hill, intercultural services associate director.
“Participants have questions about covering the expenses of their venture. For example, if they have special expenses come up for a new crib or safety equipment, they would like to know if there are resources available to help them.”
The program is equipping motivated prospective providers to open a family day care, which would enable them to remain home with their children and support other families in need of affordable child care spots, she added.
“Although there is interest and need to provide child care for refugee and immigrant families, the current registered multilingual day care providers in Sioux Falls largely assist families native to South Dakota. These family day cares have limited overhead for space and staffing, providing a promising model for both the provider and the families they serve.”
The Startup Sioux Falls program is possible through a partnership between the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Sioux Falls Development Foundation and Startup Sioux Falls, with additional support from The Bancorp.
Resources and collaboration that support the LSS portion of the project include GOED, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Department of Labor & Regulation Adult Education and Literacy Program, Startup Sioux Falls, Sanford CHILD Services and numerous child care ecosystem partners who are visiting classes and providing their expertise and support.
The hope is to continue training after determining the needs and success of the first cohort.
“At Startup Sioux Falls, we recognize the vital role that child care plays in supporting a thriving economy and community,” president Brienne Maner said.
“Our collective initiative aims to provide crucial support, resources and mentorship to entrepreneurs and organizations dedicated to filling the child care gap. By fostering innovation and sustainability within this sector, we aim to help create more robust and resilient child care options for families in Sioux Falls and beyond.”
