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 Mayor Walsh 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 30 grantees with a $3,500 grant and business support. Grantees will attend six virtual workshops from January to March.
- Wednesday, January 20, 6 p.m. (Orientation)
- Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m.
- Wednesday, February 10, 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 24, 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 3, 6 p.m.
- Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m.
- Wednesday, March 24, 6 p.m.
Update: The application deadline for the latest round of funding has passed.
Want to get updates on the fund? Complete our online contact form.
Attend a virtual workshop
Are you interested in learning more about the Fund before you apply? Attend a live, virtual information session workshop on our Facebook page.
- Thursday, November 17, 6 - 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 18, 6 - 7 p.m. (en Español)
Business resources
ResourcesCommon questions
Common questionsYou will receive the grant after you participate in six small business workshops with a cohort of other small childcare providers. These will be hosted weekly through January and February. During these workshops, providers will refine the application for the grant. Funds will be disbursed after the conclusion of the workshop series.
Businesses are eligible for one $3,500 grant.
No, it is not required. New businesses may apply for a start-up 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. Start-up grants are for new family childcare businesses. Flexible grants are for existing family childcare businesses.
No. The Fund has limited funding for the summer and fall cohorts in 2020. 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.