Early Childhood Education Business Growth Program – Spring 2025
- Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, starting March 8, 2025
- Location: Grow at Genesis Suites, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Are you a childcare provider in Kent County, Michigan who would like to gain help and knowledge on key skills needed to grow your business? Would you benefit from learning about partner organizations that could bring added value to your business? Would you like to have an expert childcare program manager offer custom recommendations on how you can build your childcare business?
Participants in Michigan Women Forward’s Early Childhood Education Business Growth Program will get all of that – and more!
Program Details
This multidisciplinary early childhood education business program, sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, offers select Kent County early childcare educators the chance to learn from business professionals and work one-on-one with a childcare program manager to gain insights and strategies to grow your business. The program will include:
- Financial Organization Support: Receive dedicated assistance from a bookkeeper over the course of the 5-month program to effectively organize your finances.
- Expert Financial Analysis: Consult with industry professionals to thoroughly analyze your financials and optimize your business for maximum tax benefits.
- Marketing Strategies: Maximize your digital presence by setting up a Google Business Profile and Google Analytics account, and using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to effectively promote your business.
- Mental Health Support: Learn about the importance of mental wellness in the workplace and acquire strategies to support staff well-being.
- Employee Recruitment: Collaborate with local partners such as Michigan Works, Bethany Christian Services, Grow and Grand Rapids Community College to establish a pipeline of potential employees for your business.
- Access to Support Services: Connect with local partners such as First Step Kent, Great Start to Quality, Main Spring and Wonder School to explore available support services, including food programs.
- Site Visit and Assessment: Benefit from a comprehensive assessment of your business conducted by our program manager to identify growth potential.
Program Dates / Time / Location
- Program Dates/Times: The program will consist of a mix of group sessions and one-on-one strategy sessions to offer custom consultation and guidance. Sessions will be held from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The first group orientation session is March 8, 2025. Additional group sessions will be held on March 15, 2025, March 22, 2025, March 29, 2025, April 5, 2025 and April 12, 2025, followed by one-on-one meetings with business professionals to assist attendees to achieve specific goals.
- Program Location: Sessions will be held at the Grow office at Genesis Suites, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids.
Program Requirements
- Operate a business within the 49507, 49508, 49509, 49503 ZIP codes or in the Black Hills area of Grand Rapids.
- Agree to sign a commitment letter indicating your availability to attend all sessions in the program, including the one-on-one meetings with the bookkeeper, marketing and CPA professionals provided.