Childcare Startup Grant
In collaboration with Citizens, the Office of
Economic Empowerment (OEE) has co-developed the Childcare Startup Grant.
Powered by Citizens & the Office of
Economic Empowerment
In collaboration with Citizens, the Office of
Economic Empowerment (OEE) has co-developed the Childcare Startup Grant, a
grant and educational training program that seeks to fund up to 14 individuals
interested in starting a home childcare program in the cities of Lynn and
Springfield, Massachusetts.
Grantees will be selected through a publicly
advertised application process through the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s
Office. An internal selection process will be conducted based on several
criteria. Grantees will receive up to $4,500 in funding toward business
expenses related to starting a home childcare program. Prior to receiving
financial assistance, grantees will be required to join a Family Childcare
(FCC) Network, or System in their respective community or surrounding area, as
well as participate in educational webinars on running a small business and
starting a childcare business in Massachusetts.
Click here to
apply for a Childcare Startup Grant
Eligibility
- Be a resident of Lynn or Springfield, Massachusetts
- Display interest and ability to open a home childcare
program
- Can provide proof of completion of the Massachusetts
Early Education and Care StrongStart Potential Provider Training for
Family Child Care.
Program Timeline
- Thursday, 7/21:
Applications launch.
- Friday, 8/5:
Applications close.
- Monday, 8/8 – Friday,
8/19: OEE reviews applications and selects grantees.
- Friday, 8/19:
Grantees are alerted of selection; W-9 form and questionnaire must be
submitted by Wednesday, 8/31.
- Week of Monday, 9/12:
Educational program launches.
Questions and Answers
(Q&A)
What are the criteria/selection process?
- At this time, applicants must be residents of Lynn or
Springfield.
- Applicants must show due diligence and interest in
becoming a licensed Family Childcare Center (FCC) provider.
- Applicants must complete form and submit W-9 in order
to receive grant.
If the applicant does not become licensed,
they will be required to return grant. What are the requirements?
Grantees must become licensed within 12 months
upon acceptance into program in order to receive full amount of grant.
What is the amount and timeline of the grant
funds?
The funds will be distributed in two phases –
the first partial funds of $2,250 will be provided in December 2022 after
completing some professional development or webinar trainings while the second
distribution of $2,250 will be given to grantees after they are licensed.
How will grantees receive the grant funds?
Grantees will receive either a check or direct
deposit. Grantees must provide the Massachusetts Treasurer’s Office with a
signed W-9 form in order to receive funds.
What are the criteria and restrictions for how
I can use the grant funds?
- Grantees can spend funds on activities that will
prepare them for becoming licensed. This includes training, software,
purchasing equipment, upgrading the childcare environment, etc.
- Must become licensed within one year to receive grant
funds but no deadline on how long to spend grant funds.
Are my family and I eligible to participate in
this initiative together?
Only one individual per household will be able
to participate in the Childcare Startup Grant.
What if I am unable to be licensed as a
childcare provider? Do I still receive the second phase of funding?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the
full grant amount to those who do not become licensed.
Who can I reach out to for additional
questions or concerns?
For further questions, please contact us
at empowerment@tre.state.ma.us
How were the targeted cities determined?
Using data from the Center for American
Progress’ 2018 childcare desert map, which highlights areas where there is a
level of adequate or scarce supply of local childcare providers across the
United States, six geographical areas were identified as having a low supply of
childcare accessibility across Massachusetts. Other data points considered
include population under age 5, median family income, percent of children with
all parents in the labor force, maternal labor force participation, and
racial/ethnic composition. With this data and the expert advice of Citizens, we
chose Lynn and Springfield, Massachusetts as the targeted cities for this
grant.
Will this grant count as income?
Yes. Grantees will be asked to complete a W-9
form in order to receive the grant. This may impact benefit eligibility. Please
contact empowerment@tre.state.ma.us if
you have any questions.
Is this program affiliated with the Department
of Early Education and Care?
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