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Minnesota Newsletter   |   Fall 2014
Child Care in the News
 
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is slated to be reauthorized by Congress for the first time since 1996. The revamped bill, which passed the House last week but has been tabled for a full Senate vote until Congress reconvenes after midterm elections in November, will improve the quality of care for millions of children and increase the ability of low-income families to access and afford it.

One of the bill's new provisions requires each state to develop and implement strategies to strengthen the business practices of child care providers. 

 

A Homecoming for >MN
Teri Steckelberg, Southern MN Initiative Foundation and Heidi Hagel-Braid, First Children's Finance






It's been almost one year since the launch of the Greater Than MN project, and what a year it has been!

Last week, we held our sixth child care town hall meeting in Preston, in partnership with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation - Greater Than MN's pilot funder and region. Click here to read the story in the News-Record.
 
Thank you again to all of our regional MIF, United Way, Child Care Aware, and University partners for giving First Children's Finance on-the-ground resources and a warm Minnesota welcome wherever we go. And of course, thank you to all of the early care and education professionals, concerned community members, legislators, and local business leaders who are committed to creating a greater future for Greater Minnesota.   
 
For more information about upcoming events, meetings, and trainings, visit greaterthanmn.org and follow us on Twitter: @greaterthanmn. 
Upcoming Trainings and Opportunities for Centers
We've got a packed schedule of FREE trainings and cohort opportunities for child care centers this fall! 

 

First Fridays

at

First Children's Finance

 

Beginning in October, we'll be hosting child care business trainings the first Friday of the month! 

 

Friday, October 3

Planning for the Future: Accounting & Financial Statements

 

Friday, November 7

Planning for the Future: Annual Budgeting & Cash Flow

 

Friday, December 5

Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Child Care Business

 

All First Friday trainings are FREE
run from 10 am - 1 pm
and are located at: 
 
First Children's Finance
212 Third Avenue North, Suite 310
Minneapolis
 
Lunch and refreshments included!
 
Click here for more detailed descriptions of each training. 

To register, email [email protected]

 

*Pre-requisite requirements for this workshop:

Your center must be Parent Aware rated OR have a signed participation agreement

AND

 You must be on the Registry: www.developtoolmn.org 

 
Building stronger child care businesses

 

FirstChildrensFinance.org

 

Or call us toll free:

 

866-562-6801 

 
Find us on Facebook
and LinkedIn:
 
FCF Facebook Icon  FCF LinkedIn Icon
New Business Cohort Opportunity for 
Metro Area Child Care Centers
FCF Business Cohort

You are not alone. At First Children's Finance, we believe that when it comes to running your child care business, there's power in numbers. Not only will the cohort give you the tools and knowledge you need to understand and take control of your financials, you'll be working with a group of your peers and with the support of local business leaders that are dedicated to your growth and success along the way. Watch the video below to see a glimpse of past cohort participants. FCF's new Metro Area Business Cohorts give you access to: 
  • 1:1 business consulting to identify and prioritize business issues
  • Marketing and competitive analysis
  • Hands-on training, resources and tools: budgeting, cash flow, income and expense analysis to inform business decisions such as planning for quality or adding a classroom
  • Customized business plans
  • Networking opportunities with child care peers and local business leaders
Questions? This short webinar will give you an overview of the program and includes an FAQ section. If you still have questions, contact Talaya Tolefree at [email protected]


 Click here for all cohort details on our website.

Loan Fund Video

You probably didn't get into child care because of you background in finance.

Luckily, we did. 

At First Children's Finance, we understand the complexities of owning and operating a child care business. You hold tiny hands every day, and run your business on even tinier profit margins. We know you want the best for your kids. We also know that quality comes at a cost. If the thought of expansion, remodeling or taking on a major change in your business feels daunting, let us help.

 

We've loaned over $11 million to child care businesses, including family child care homes and both for profit and nonprofit child care centers. What makes a loan with FCF unique? What can you use it for? Watch our brand new video above to find out!

 

Ready to get started? Call Jim at 1-866-562-6801 or email [email protected] 

SAVE THE DATE!


First Children's Finance, in partnership with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, is thrilled to be hosting a preview of The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation  documentary.

More event details to be announced soon, but for now please save the date - November 12, 2014 - and contact Heidi Hagel-Braid if you are interested in attending: [email protected]

What: The Raising of America Preview
with Program to Follow, 
featuring Art Rolnick, Tim Penny, and Jerry Cutts

When: 12 noon - November 12, 2014

Where: Owatonna History Center
1700 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN

Lunch will be provided. 

Click here to go to The Raising of America's website for more info about the documentary.