DES MOINES, IA (October 9, 2014) –The Guided Growth Business Development Cohort will provide a new opportunity for child care programs to receive comprehensive business assistance to help them grow. Through a combination of professional business advice and peer networking and learning, child care providers will receive customized budgeting and financial tools, Iowa Department of Human Services approved training, one-on-one business consulting to address their needs, and assistance in developing a road map to reach their goals.

Child care providers participating in other First Children’s Finance business development cohorts have reported many improvements to their programs such as increases in quality environments and playgrounds, higher enrollment, improvements in finances, and decreases in staff turnover.
Interested providers can get full details about eligibility and geographical requirements, and download an application at www.firstchildrensfinance.org/guidedgrowth-cohort. Applications are due October 31, 2014. For more information contact Angie Rae Duncan, Business Development Specialist with First Children’s Finance at (515) 229-5064 or angie@firstchildrensfinance.org.

First Children’s Finance, a national nonprofit organization, provides financial and business-development assistance, training and financing to child care businesses. The Guided Growth project and the Guided Growth Business Development Cohort are possible thanks to funding from Sam’s Club Giving Program along with support from Mid-Sioux Opportunity and West Central Community Action.