WomenVenture, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is excited to announce a grant opportunity for child care businesses in Minnesota.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
- The goal of this grant program is to provide financial support to licensed child care providers in Minnesota, particularly in communities where 30% or more of the children are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). These areas include Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, specific neighborhoods in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota’s 11 Tribal Nations and child care access equity areas as outlined here.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for consideration, child care businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Be a licensed child care provider in the state of Minnesota or have a tribal license.
- Child care businesses must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State or have a tribal license.
- Have a clear plan for the use of grant funds to support your child care business.
- Operate in an Equity Access Area, including Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Cedar-Riverside area, South Minneapolis, St. Paul’s West Side, Frogtown, Summit-University neighborhoods, and Minnesota’s Tribal Nations. Other accepted childcare access equity areas can be found on the application page.
Priority Points:
- +2 points if you are a new licensed child care family or center provider in the last 4 months.
- +2 points if this grant will help you add child care spots. Please explain how in the application narrative.
- +2 points if this grant will help you add staff. Please explain how in the application narrative.
Grant Details:
Grant Amount: $7,500
Grant Usage: Grant funds can be used for eligible business expenses, including:
- Minor facility improvements and modifications needed for licensing.
- Purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment required for licensing.
- Assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements.
- Staff training and professional development.
- Marketing and promotional activities.
- Technology enhancements for educational or business purposes.
- Safety and security enhancements.
- Proposal Submission Guidelines: Interested child care businesses must complete and submit this application https://app.lenderfit.io/apply/il3akx.upl
Application elements:
Business Overview:
- Name and location of the child care business.
- Names of all owners of the business and percentage of ownership, gender, and race.
- Business Legal Entity Status (C-Corp, LLC, etc.).
- Number of years in operation.
- Current enrollment and capacity.
- Number of Full-Time Equivalent Employees (include owners if paid).
Proposal Narrative:
- Briefly explain how the grant funds will be used and how it will improve your business.
Budget:
- Itemized budget indicating how the grant funds will be allocated.
Supporting Documents:
- Copy of the child care license.
- Copy of Driver License or Passport.
- IRS Form W-9.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. There will be two grant application reviews.
Review 1 will be any application received between date of RFP publication to September 30, 2026.
Review 2 will be any application received between October 1 and November 30, 2026.
Selection Process: Proposals will be evaluated based on the clarity of the proposal, the potential impact on child care services, and the feasibility of the budget. A committee from WomenVenture will review and select the awardees.
Notification of Awards: All applicants will be notified upon their grant status in three to four weeks. If you are awarded a grant, a grant agreement and ACH Deposit Form for your business bank account will be sent for your signature within two business days. Funds will be disbursed in seven business days upon completion of any necessary paperwork.
How to Submit Proposals:
- Click this link: https://app.lenderfit.io/apply/il3akx.upl
- Create a profile and login.
- Complete the four application sections: 1) Personal Contact Information; 2) Business Information; 3) Proposal Narrative; and 4) Demographic Information.
- Note: When asked for your NAICS code enter: 624410.
- Note: WBE = woman-owned business; MBE = minority-owned business; VOB = veteran-owned business.
- Submit Proposal.
Contact Person: If you have questions about this process or need support, please email Katie Messerli at kmesserli@womenventure.org or call 612-224-9565.
We look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to support and enhance child care businesses in Minnesota.