Running a family child care program is about nurturing children AND running a business. And now there’s a program designed just for you.

The 2025 NAFCC EmpowerHer Child Care Business Accelerator is an 8-week training and mentorship program built to help family child care educators strengthen, expand, and sustain their businesses.

Here’s what you’ll get:

✅ Weekly expert-led training on child care business essentials (finance, growth, risk management + more)

✅ 1:1 mentorship with seasoned family child care leaders

✅ A national network of peers to collaborate and grow with

✅ Continued support after the program ends

And here’s the big one → Graduates who meet all program requirements will be eligible to receive a $10,000 small business award (funded by Stearns Bank).

Who’s Eligible?

• Current family child care educators operating in a licensed residential setting in the U.S.
• Active NAFCC membership
• Commitment to attend all 8 weeks of training (virtual, 2 hours per week)
• Intention to expand your program within 6 months of completing the accelerator

(Full eligibility criteria listed on the application page.)

Timeline:

📌 Applications Open: September 2–6

📌 Applications Close: September 13 (TODAY!)

📌 Program Runs: September 29–mid-November

📌 Graduation: November 10–15

Why Apply?

This isn’t just another training. It’s your launchpad to growth, funding, and community. Whether you’ve been running your FCC for years or you’re just starting to dream bigger, EmpowerHer will give you the tools — and the capital — to make it happen.

Click Here to Apply

But hurry; applications close September 13 (TODAY!).

🌱 Family child care is the backbone of early learning. Programs like this one are here to make sure you have the resources to thrive.