Entrepreneurs starting a business in rural parts of Maine often say they feel isolated, which is why the Child Care Business Lab will consist of groups or cohorts of ten to fifteen individuals learning how to start a child care enterprise together. The members of the group will have similar goals and aspirations and may also share the same concerns or challenges. By joining the Child Care Business Lab, you will be part of an interactive, engaging community – establishing relationships that may last for decades.
Over a six-month period, the Child Care Business Lab consists of
- Ten live in-person 2½ hour video workshops conducted via Zoom, where you will learn how to start a child care business
- 25 hours of on-demand online child care management learning sessions that you take at your own pace. (These are required for licensing)
- Bi-weekly one-on-one video meetings with a business advisor who will help you to develop and execute plans that work for you and your community
- Monthly personalized video coaching sessions with a child care mentor to help you develop a high-quality child care service that is aligned with your philosophy
Participants will also be eligible to apply for special start-up child care business loans.
There is no charge for the in-person and online learning sessions or the meetings with the business advisors and mentors.
The 2021 program starts during the first week in March, and it is expected that entrepreneurs selected will open a high-quality child care business in August.
The formal business start-up education and child care management training differentiates the Child Care Business Lab from other programs. Entrepreneurs selected are required to attend all ten in-person video workshops.
- The Lewiston program will be held on Saturday mornings from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
- The program for applicants from Aroostook, Franklin, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Washington Counties will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm