Starting a childcare center

Check out the wayfinding tool to discover what is needed to start your childcare center!

https://www.childcarewayfinder.org/

Need funds?

• First Children's Finance offers loans to help you start your facility.

• NW Minnesota Foundation frequently has low interest or forgivable loans for childcare facilities.

Center-based childcare licensing goes through the state. Please be aware it can take upwards of 18 months, based on local testimonials, for full licensing approval. The county licensor can help answer some basic questions,.

• Want to partner with a manufacturing company to offer late hours or overnights? Contact to the EDA to work on arranging this discussion with our local area manufacturing companies!