Childcare Entrepreneur Fund
Family childcare educators are crucial to Boston. They take care of our most precious treasure: our children.
We want to find ways to support educators and expand access to childcare for Boston families. It is one of the many ways we can encourage a healthy development for all of Boston. That is why we launched the Childcare Entrepreneur Fund.
The Fund offers support to current and aspiring owners of family childcare businesses in Boston. Fund recipients attend business training and receive grant funding for their business.
Apply today
The Fund’s current round will award grantees with a $3,500 grant and business support. Grantees will attend six virtual workshops.
Update: The application deadline for this funding round has passed.
Applicants selected will be a part of one of three cohorts.
- Cohort 1: September 2021 - November 2021
- Cohort 2: November 2021 - January 2022
- Cohort 3: January 2022 - March 2022
Want to get updates on the fund? Complete our online contact form.
Attend a virtual info session
Business resources
ResourcesCommon questions
Common questionsApplicants must live and have their family childcare business established in Boston.
You will receive the grant after you participate in six small business workshops with a cohort of other small childcare providers. Funds will be disbursed after the conclusion of the workshop series.
Businesses are eligible for one $3,500 grant.
Yes, you may apply again. To ensure equitable access to funding, first-time recipients will be prioritized.
No, it is not required. New businesses may apply for a startup grant. You will need to submit proof of your application for a family childcare license from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. You do not need to be in operation already.
If you are an existing family childcare business, you may apply for a flexible grant. You will need to submit a copy of your license from the Department of Early Education and Care.
Startup grants and flexible grants are available to childcare entrepreneurs who operate a childcare business from their home (family childcare).
Funds can be used to cover costs related to the childcare business. They may include items like:
- personal protective equipment (PPE)
- disinfecting wipes and other cleaning supplies
- toys or art supplies
- investing in advertising for the business,
- procuring services, such as accounting or tax support, and
- much more.
These are only some examples. Please reach out to us if you want to discuss your particular needs further before submitting your application.
- Preference for minority- and women-owned businesses
- Preference for businesses in Boston Housing Authority units
- Must present a plan for use of funds as part of application
- Commitment to serving two or more Boston Housing Authority or families using childcare vouchers.
No. You have to select the type of grant that best fits your business. Startup grants are for new family childcare businesses. Flexible grants are for existing family childcare businesses.
No. The Fund has limited funding. We will evaluate your application based on selection criteria and notify you if you have been selected to receive funding. We encourage all applicants to apply again in the next funding round if not awarded this time.
