How to Start a Day Care Business With Government Grants
Beginning a new business is always a costly and risky investment, even if the business is something as needed as a day care center. The United States government distributes a good amount of small business start-up grants each year, and following basic protocol could result in a successful application.
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Things You'll Need
- Internet connection
- Paper and writing instrument
- Printer access
- Large envelopes and stamps
Instructions
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Initial Research
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Begin by doing online research for funding bodies. These can be federal, local or state organizations that are known for distributing grants. Child care organizations, resource and referral agencies and licensing offices are excellent resources for getting you in touch with groups in your community. At the same time you are investigating these options for financial donations, check to see if any of them can assist with in-kind donations in the form of equipment, goods, materials or even volunteer workers.
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Now that you have all of your initial information and know who might be able to assist you, go about learning their processes for applying for grants. Pick up or download their most up-to-date applications, paying attention to specific guidelines and due dates. Seek out some successful applications that have been published online for tips on what granting bodies are looking for. Many nonprofit websites are eager to share completed applications and other pointers.
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Review all the information you have collected and make a list of any questions or clarifications you have. If additional needed information is not available online or in any of the material you have been sent, contact the party directly to clear up any confusion. When you call, explain up front that you have a few questions and will be as brief as possible. Being fully informed will ensure that your application is complete and increase the chances that it will be approved.
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Create a program description explaining the proposed day care facility. Be meticulous in detailing how much money you need and what exactly that money will be going toward. Factor in expected revenue for the first year of operation and if you will need funding in the future. Be specific about the time line of preparation and when the center will be open. Provide measures to evaluate the project`s success.
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Next, flesh out your program description and turn it into a full proposal and create a cover letter. Explain the concern your day care would address; for example, that you plan to be located in an under-served, low-income community that does not have adequate day care options. Clearly state your goals and how they will be accomplished. Include relevant statistics of similar operations. Describe the qualifications of the key people who will be operating the center.
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Once you have sent in the application and all supplementary materials, wait to contact the government body until after the deadline has passed. If you still have not heard from the agencies, a polite follow-up call or email double-checking that they received your application is appropriate.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that if your government grant applications are denied, there are private grant awards and other organizations to turn to.
