Launch or grow your childcare business
Multilingual learners of English can call Lutheran Social Services at 605-731-2000 or by text at 605-403-7813.
Are you passionate about early childhood development
and want to start or grow your own childcare business?
Our Childcare Business Programs are designed exclusively for aspiring childcare entrepreneurs like you. The 2-day weekend bootcamp and the 10-week, cohort-based program are designed to help you develop the successful, sustainable business you’re ready to run.
Who should join?
You’re perfect for the Care Bootcamp or 10-Week Care Accelerator if…
You’ve been thinking about starting a business,
but you don’t know exactly where to begin.
You’re a new childcare business owner wanting to ensure you’re set up for success
These in-depth programs will help you fine-tune your idea, critically examine every part of it, and plan your next steps.
Get everything you need to
Grow a stable childcare business in Sioux Falls
Curriculum
Proven training materials and exercises with all the practical tools and insights you need to study and shape your business
Coaching
Facilitators and guest speakers from industry experts who specialize in early childhood education and childcare management.
Community
Direct access to a small, private cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs in a creative, collaborative environment
About CO.STARTERS Care Bootcamp
CO.STARTERS Care Bootcamp is a weekend program to help aspiring business owners take action. During this four-part bootcamp, you’ll collaboratively work with peers and a trained facilitator to strategize, problem-solve, and apply business tactics to your idea or business.
20 spots available
1. Discover
Understand and refine your business model by:
- Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset
- Using The CO.STARTERS Canvas
- Discovering your target customer
- Starting small
2. Promote
Market your business effectively by:
- Building relationships
- Crafting your message
- Choosing your marketing
- Developing your “pitch”
3. Build
Create your financial building blocks by:
- Distributing your product or service
- Knowing your value (before you set your price)
- Understanding your costs
- Calculating a break-even point
4. Launch
Build momentum to achieve your goals by:
- Setting priorities
- Identifying 30, 60, and 90-day milestones
- Getting SMART about tasks
- Creating a plan + staying on track
Application Deadline
About CO.STARTERS Care Accelerator
CO.STARTERS Care Accelerator is a 10-week, thorough program designed to provide you with the insights, relationships, and tools to turn your idea into action and a sustainable business. If you aspire to start or grow your own childcare business, CO.STARTERS Care Accelerator is for you.
16 spots available
Session 1
KNOW YOURSELF
- Test assumptions
- Building a team
- Addressing personal obstacles
- Community assessment
Session 2
KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER
- Creating customer portrait
- The main problem
- The alternatives
- Testing your ideas
Session 3
FIND THE RIGHT SOLUTION
- The solution
- The benefit
- Your advantage
- Brand identity
Session 4
GET THE RELATIONSHIP RIGHT
- Marketing
- Crafting your message
- Getting your message out
- Keeping and growing customers
Session 5
CREATE BUILDING BLOCKS
- Distribution
- Getting Paid
- Determining your offer
- Pricing
Session 6
CREATE STRUCTURES & SYSTEMS
- Business structures
- Licenses and Intellectual property
- Hiring
- Insurance
Session 7
DISCOVER THE BOTTOM LINE
- Identifying your needs
- Listing your fixed and variable costs
- Determining gross profit
Session 4
CREATE FINANCIAL MODELING
- Reviewing break-even
- Creating sales projections
- Understanding cash flow
Session 9
PLAN FOR GROWTH
- Formal business plans
- Determining milestones & next steps
- Preparing for celebration
Session 10
CELEBRATE!
- Sharing your journey & learnings
- Celebrating with your group
- Understanding ongoing supports
Application Deadline
How much does it cost?
Get ready for some good news...
The CO.STARTERS Care Accelerator, is valued at $3,300, but the upcoming cohort is currently free, thanks to support from The Bancorp, Inc. and a grant through the SD Governor's Office of Economic Development.
The program includes:
- Participant Materials: Essential resources worth $200.
- Expert Coaching: 30 hours of group coaching and facilitation, a $3,000 value.
- Industry Connections: Exclusive access to experts valued at $100.
By getting selected, you access a wealth of knowledge, tools, and networking opportunities by only needing to invest your time. This is your chance to leap forward in your entrepreneurial journey at no cost. Spots are limited, and the return on your investment is clear. Apply today to be considered.
Multilingual learners of English can call Lutheran Social Services at 605-731-2000 or by text at 605-403-7813.
About Startup Sioux Falls
Starting a business is hard. We make it easier.
Startup Sioux Falls serves the local business community with innovative programs, practical resources, and downtown spaces. No matter what stage you’re at in your business, we can help you plan the best next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the coolest parts of CO.STARTERS Accelerator is that it brings together entrepreneurs from various backgrounds who can learn with — and from — each other. Led by leading local entrepreneurs, you will be part of an intimate cohort of 16 other founders in the early stages of their business, just like you.
To get the full benefit of the program, we highly encourage you to attend all 11 sessions, including the final Startup Pitch Night. If you have a scheduling conflict, please let us know ahead of time if possible. Because each session is held live and in person at our downtown Sioux Falls facility, there will be no virtual access or video replays available.
Kickstart your childcare business in Sioux Falls
Are you ready to whip your business into shape? Join the CO.STARTERS Care Bootcamp or Accelerator to get the curriculum, coaching, and community you need to kickstart your business in 2024.
Hurry
20 spots are available for Care Bootcamp
16 spots are available for Care Accelerator
“Please keep this program going, the support it will provide to local communities thru small businesses developing will pay back 10 fold!”
"Early on in CO.STARTERS, our facilitator said that starting a business will change you—and I’m already seeing how it’s changing me."
“So thankful to have had the opportunity to participate in this program.”
"It was what I needed to pursue my dream and instill a higher level of confidence."