Start a Business
Build something meaningful.
Child care services are essential to families and communities across Northwest Minnesota. Starting your own business allows you to create a program that reflects your values, your schedule, and your vision.
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There are several ways to build a child care business. You may choose to provide family child care from your home or develop a center-based program in a dedicated facility. Each option has different licensing, facility, staffing, and business requirements.
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Choose the path that best fits your goals.
Family Child Care
Be your own boss. Build something meaningful.
Family child care providers deliver an essential service while building a meaningful, flexible business of their own. You can operate a licensed program from your home—or, in some cases, from a commercial space—and care for a small group of children of different ages in a warm, family-like setting. Explore Cindy Sele’s story to discover why she has found purpose and joy as a family child care provider for more than 25 years.
Why start your own program?
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Be your own boss
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Flexible schedule
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Build a business in your community
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High demand for child care
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Long-term earning potential
How it works
Step 1: Explore the Opportunity
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Learn what family child care involves
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Talk with a Wayfinder
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Contact a business development specialist at First Children's Finance
Step 2: Complete Required Training
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CPR & First Aid
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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome & Abusive Head Trauma training
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Pre-licensing orientation
Step 3: Get Licensed
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Apply through your county
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Complete background study
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Prepare your home or space
Step 4: Build Your Program
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Set your schedule and policies
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Prepare your space
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Enroll families
Step 5: Grow Your Business
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Increase capacity
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Participate in Parent Aware
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Access grants and supports
Get Help Every Step of the Way
You don’t have to do this alone.
Regional Wayfinders and Business Advisors provide free, one-on-one support to help you start and grow your child care business.
Connect with
Natasha Stengrim
Counties served:
Roseau, Kittson, Pennington, East Marshall
Connect with
Trista Cardinal
Counties served:
Polk, Norman, Red Lake, West Marshall
Connect with
Michele Hutchinson
218-416-0343
Sr. Business Development Specialist
First Children's Finance
Northwest Region
Child Care Center
How to start a Child Care Center
Starting a child care center is a significant undertaking that involves business planning, facility requirements, staffing, licensing, and financing. The process can feel complex, but support is available to help you evaluate your idea, understand state requirements, develop a plan, and move toward opening a successful center-based program.
The Process
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Explore whether a center is feasible
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Develop a business and financial plan
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Identify a suitable facility
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Review zoning, building, fire, and licensing requirements
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Plan staffing and leadership qualifications
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Apply for a license through Minnesota DCYF
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Complete inspections and prepare to open
Your First Step
Minnesota’s center application process includes policies and procedures, staffing, background studies, facility preparation, required inspections, and a pre-licensing inspection. Applications are handled directly by DCYF through the Provider Hub rather than through county family child care licensing. Get started by talking to a business advisor at First Children’s Finance or the Wayfinder serving your County.
Connect with
Natasha Stengrim
Counties served:
Roseau, Kittson, Pennington, East Marshall
Connect with
Trista Cardinal
Counties served:
Polk, Norman, Red Lake, West Marshall
Connect with
Michele Hutchinson
218-416-0343
Sr. Business Development Specialist
First Children's Finance
Northwest Region