SPEARFISH, S.D. – Childcare shortages persist as a pressing challenge for many families across South Dakota. Recognizing the need for proactive solutions, a coalition of organizations is working together to empower individuals to be part of the remedy.
In response to the demand for more childcare in our communities, a collaborative effort led by Elevate Rapid City, Klein Visioneering Group, and SD CEO West Women’s Business Center, a series of In-Home Child Care Business Bootcamps will be held across the Black Hills region this summer. These one-day workshops are designed to provide information about start-up and operational processes for in-home childcare businesses.
“During our discussions with providers, they identified many needs in order to maintain their business, but the one thing we could address immediately with the funding from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development was business training for both existing and prospective in-home providers, said Laura Jones, Housing & Community Development Manager, Elevate Rapid City.”
The workshop offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn more about best practices of establishing, building, and managing a successful home-based childcare business. Attendees will benefit from immersive sessions led by industry experts, covering essential topics such as business planning, operations, registration and regulations, legal structures, policy best practices, and financial management — all tailored to address in-home childcare businesses specifically.
“We believe that empowering individuals to establish effective in-home childcare businesses helps to address a market gap and provides practical resources to individuals that help our communities thrive,” said Elizabeth Freer, Director of SD CEO West Women’s Business Center. “By providing this training and resources, we aim to equip and encourage childcare entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to operate their business in this essential industry.”
The program is made possible through the generous support and collaboration of SD CEO West Women’s Business Center, Elevate Rapid City, Klein Visioneering Group, South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and South Dakota Department of Social Services.
“Child Care Providers have been underappreciated and under-resourced for many years. With 14 years of direct field experience and advocacy for the child care field, I know this reality well,’ says Kayla Klein CEO of Klein Visioneering Group. ‘This training will focus on the essentials but also the realities of owning a child care business in South Dakota. Providers need community support, local resources, and knowledge of how to successfully open and sustain an in-home child care program. This boot camp will help future providers scratch the surface of those needs and prepare them for future success.”
Additionally, the organizers express gratitude to community partners who are helping to host individual training events including Hill City Economic Development Corporation, Belle Fourche Economic Development Corporation, Sturgis Economic Development Corporation, Spearfish Economic Development Corporation, and Deadwood Lead Economic Development Corporation, along with the Sanford Underground Research Facility.
The workshop is free of charge, and lunch will be provided for all registered attendees.
Event Details:
Saturday, June 8 in Hill City at the Hill City Center, 227 Walnut Ave
Monday, June 10 in Belle Fourche at the Belle Fourche EDC, 605 5th Ave
Saturday, June 15 in Rapid City at the BHSU Rapid City Campus, 4300 Cheyenne Blvd
Thursday, June 27 in Lead at the SURF Visitor Center, 160 W Main St
Wednesday, August 14 in Spearfish at the Joy Center on the BHSU Campus, 1351 St Joe
Saturday, August 17 in Sturgis at the Sturgis EDC, 2885 Dickson Dr
Wednesday, August 21 in Rapid City at the BHSU Rapid City Campus, 4300 Cheyenne Blvd
Register at www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO/events
