Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the new Our Strong Start program to make it easier for entrepreneurs to open new child care programs, get licensed faster and expand access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families. Our Strong Start, the latest step in the governor’s Caring for MI Future strategy, will be run by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ (LARA) Child Care Licensing Bureau and help entrepreneurs get licensed and secure grant funding to launch their business.
In addition to working one-on-one with entrepreneurs, the Our Strong Start team will host in person and virtual events to promote the child care industry and encourage individuals to consider a career in child care. The first virtual event, “How to Open a Successful Child Care Business in Michigan,” will be at noon on Sept. 15. Anyone considering a career in child care can register at www.michigan.gov/MIchildcare.