Strengthening the Business Side of Child Care

New Growth Staff

July 15, 2026

Running a child care program means more than caring for children. Whether you provide child care in your home or direct a child care center, you're also running a business that supports children, families, employees, and your community.

Running that business means making important decisions every day. What should you charge for tuition? How do you attract and retain great staff? How do you manage purchasing costs, keep up with regulations, or find systems that save time? Every owner and director has opportunities they'd like to work on.

The challenge isn't knowing what could make a difference. It's finding the time to focus on it while managing everything else your day requires.

That's why the New Growth Women's Business Center is launching the Child Care Business Accelerator, a six-month, no-cost program designed for owners and directors of Missouri early childhood education (ECE) programs serving children ages 0–5.

Designed to fit busy schedules, the Child Care Business Accelerator combines experienced business coaching with field-tested child care business tools and resources developed by leading early childhood experts and supported through trusted Missouri partnerships.

Participants won't be expected to figure it all out on their own. They'll work alongside experienced business coaches to focus on the goals that matter most to their business, connect with trusted ECE-specific tools and resources that match those goals, and discover practical ways to save time and money. Along the way, they'll also build relationships with other child care owners and directors who understand the work because they're living it every day.

The Child Care Business Accelerator builds on the New Growth Women's Business Center's experience helping entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Experienced business coaches work alongside early childhood advisors and Missouri partners to provide practical guidance. They help participants find and utilize child care business tools and resources that support the goals they have for their business.

"Every child care owner and director we meet wants to provide the very best care they can for the children and families they serve," said Rondle Dines, Director of the New Growth Women's Business Center. "Our hope is that by strengthening the business side of child care, participants can spend less time worrying about how to get everything done and more time focused on the work they love most. Because stronger child care businesses help build stronger families, stronger local economies, and the communities we call home."

The first Child Care Business Accelerator group begins in September and is open to 10 child care businesses in rural west-central Missouri. Participation is provided at no cost, and applications are due September 1.

If you're ready to invest in your business, save time, strengthen what you've already built, and connect with others who understand your work, we invite you to apply.