Advantage Valley will host free childcare start-up business workshopsin Boone, Lincoln, and Clay Counties as part of its Fostering Advantages for Start-Ups & Entrepreneurial Resurgence in WV (FASTER WV) program.These workshops, supported by grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, are designed to help prospective childcare providers navigate the steps and resources needed to start or expand a childcare center, family care facility, or family care home in West Virginia.
The upcoming childcare workshop in Clay County is set for Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the WVU Clay County Extension Office, located at 184 Procious Maysel Road in Clay.
“Childcare access is a significant barrier to workforce participation,” said Terrell Ellis, President and CEO of Advantage Valley. “With an increasing number of job opportunities across our region, it’s vital that we support those interested in starting childcare businesses. We’re proud to offer these sessions to connect people with the information, funding, and partners they need to succeed.”
These free sessions will feature presentations from key partners. Participants can expect to learn about:
Connect Resource and Referral – Offering traveling education resources, program planning tools, and support for childcare center layout and design.
Local Health Departments – Guidance on required permits and inspections to meet state and local health regulations.
West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office – Insight into fire code compliance and preparing your facility for inspection.
Advantage Valley – Overview of the technical assistance, mini-grants, and loan programs available through the FASTER WV initiative.
Wonderschool and WV Small Business Development Center – Business coaching, website assistance, and marketing resources for new childcare businesses.
Existing childcare providers interested in expanding or enhancing their operations are encouraged to participate.
“These workshops have been an incredibly valuable tool for connecting both current and aspiring providers with the resources and information they need to run their businesses more effectively,” Ellis said. “One success story involves a provider we connected with a suitable location, and they’re now preparing to open their doors next month. That connection would not have happened without their participation in the workshop.”
Register for the free workshop on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/advantage-valley-55321568063
For more information, visit www.advantagevalley.com.
Advantage Valley, Inc. is a regional economic development organization whose mission is to grow economic opportunity in the Charleston-Huntington Metro Area by increasing investment in the region, leveraging resources, and building collaboration among community stakeholders.
