Wyoming Child Care Provider Start-Up Grant

Wyoming Childcare Provider Start-Up Grant

Ready to open a child care business or make room for more children? The Wyoming Childcare Provider Start-Up Grant helps providers cover practical costs that can increase the number of child care spaces available to families across the state.

Who may qualify?

Both nonprofit and for-profit child care businesses in Wyoming may be considered. The grant supports:

• New businesses operating for one year or less that need help with start-up costs
• Established businesses seeking to increase enrollment capacity

Applicants must be licensed, be working toward licensure within one year of applying, or accept child care subsidies. Previous recipients of Childcare Start-Up Grant funds are ineligible. Applicants must also work with the Wyoming Small Business Development Center on their business plans and finances. Priority is given to projects that expand access to care, particularly in high-need areas.

What could the grant pay for?

Published program guidance allows requests of up to $10,000 per applicant, with awards possible in whole or in part. Examples of eligible needs include:

• Improvements or materials needed to meet licensing requirements
• Fencing, exits, lighting, ventilation, and accessibility improvements
• Safe sleep equipment and other child health and safety items
• Kitchen equipment and modifications that help serve children and families with disabilities

The funder asks applicants to prioritize items essential to opening or expanding care. Grant funds cannot be used for employee wages, revenue shortfalls, land, buildings, vehicles, or new construction outside the permitted renovations. Check the current guidelines for the applicable request limit and full expense rules.

How do I apply?

Visit the Wyoming Community Foundation’s official grant page to check the current application status and submission window. Before applying, outline how your project will create additional child care spaces, identify the essential items you need, and connect with the Wyoming Small Business Development Center for business planning support.

Build a safer program as you grow

A well-equipped space works best alongside strong supervision practices. ChildCareEd’s Safe Supervision in Child Care: Birth to School Age course explores supervision across age groups and settings. This is a separate training option; do not assume its cost qualifies for this start-up grant.

Take the next step: Check the official grant page, build your expansion plan, and prepare a request tied to the child care spaces your project will add.