Helping you build a successful child care business.
Thinking about starting a child care business?
The Child Care Business Lab was designed for you.
Take the first step!
Sign up below to learn about upcoming opportunities
We’re here to help you achieve your dream of child care ownership. Since the 1970s, CEI has financed or advised hundreds of child care businesses. We’ve used that experience to design the Child Care Business Lab.
Since 2020, more than 50 Child Care Business Lab graduates have opened child care services, creating more than 1000 spaces for Maine children. Our graduates are flourishing business leaders in their community.
With support from the Child Care Business Lab team and your peers, you can start & grow a child care that works for your family. Turn your vision into a business – providing child care services to meet the unique needs of your community.
Explore the possibilities of Child Care Business Ownership
You have so many questions…
- How do I get started?
- What does it take to earn a license?
- How much money do I need to open?
Join our next Child Care Business Lab: Explore workshop to learn what it takes to become licensed and confirm there is a need for child care in your community.
If you decide child care ownership is for you, take these workshops to help you:
- Turn Your Home into a Child Care
- Find a Facility Location outside your home
- Design Your Space
Ready to move forward? These workshops are for you:
After you complete our self-paced Explore program, it’s time to join a Get Licensed group.
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