Kalamazoo Times

A new program will help entrepreneurs fast-track the development of child care facilities in order to assist working families.

The Our Strong Start program is expected to streamline the licensing process and provide working families with more child care options, according to a press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D-MI) office. Entrepreneurs will be aided by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' (LARA) Child Care Licensing Bureau when trying to secure grant funding for their establishments.

"The Our Strong Start will reduce barriers to licensure that entrepreneurs have encountered while trying to navigate through multiple state programs," LARA Director Orlene Hawks said in the press release. "By making the licensing process easier and more efficient, we are demonstrating our commitment to working with individuals who are stepping up to create safe and reliable child care options for families."

The program is part of Whitmer's Caring for MI Future strategy, the press release noted. She expects that 1,000 new child care programs will open by the end of 2024.

"As a mom, I know the importance of high-quality, affordable child care," Whitmer said in the press release. "While we're working to lower child care costs for families and expand access to early learning programs like four-year-old preschool, there are still too many working families struggling to find child care that meets their needs and budget. That's why I'm proud that we're taking action to make it easier for entrepreneurs to work with [the] state government to open more child care programs across Michigan."

People who are interested in assistance with the business development process can contact program navigators to receive information, according to the press release.

"It is critical to support child care entrepreneurs and expand access to high-quality, affordable child care," Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said in the press release. "Today's announcement will help more child care entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses, obtain the resources they need to succeed, and connect with grant funds. It will ensure that more parents and families can access child care in their communities. Gov. Whitmer and I are proud of the work we have done to invest in child care in communities across Michigan, and we will continue working hard to boost access to affordable child care."