Our Strong Start program will make it easier for entrepreneurs to open new childcare programs, get licensed faster, and expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare for working families. This is the latest step in the governor’s Caring for Michigan Future strategy to help reach its goal of opening 1,000 new childcare programs by the end of 2024.
The new program will be run by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ (LARA) Child Care Licensing Bureau and help entrepreneurs get licensed and secure grant funding to launch their business.
How it works
Childcare entrepreneurs may contact the Our Strong Start for assistance at any stage in the business development process—including before they’ve secured a facility or applied for a childcare license.
The Our Strong Start navigators will counsel potential business owners, help them understand and quickly navigate the licensing process, assists them in creating a business plan, and connect them with grant funds to open their childcare business. The Our Strong Start navigators are also available to assist current business owners interested in expanding their childcare program.
Entrepreneurs can connect with the Our Strong Start at www.michigan.gov/MIchildcare. If an entrepreneur would like to meet with a navigator, they can complete a simple form and a navigator will connect with them within 48 hours.
In addition to working one-on-one with entrepreneurs, the Our Strong Start team will host in-person and virtual events to promote the childcare industry and encourage individuals to consider a career in childcare.
Upcoming Programming
Naptime Nuggets with CDC and CCLB Directors. Topic: Our Strong Start
Date: September 19, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm
No registration required
Addressing Staff Shortages: Rule Exceptions
Date: September 22, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm
Expanding Access to Child Care
The Our Strong Start is part of a $1.4 billion investment to expand access to quality, affordable childcare for families. To date, the governor has awarded over $700 million in grants, a record amount, to nearly 6,000 childcare businesses, provided bonuses up to $1,000 for 38,000 childcare professionals, and launched Caring for Michigan’s Future—a $100 million strategy to open 1,000 new child care programs by the end of 2024.