DENVER – Today, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) announced a new initiative to support child care providers across the state at every stage of business.
“Childcare is essential to strengthening our workforce and economy while supporting families. This new initiative is giving providers more of the support they need while expanding opportunities for Colorado families. I look forward to seeing the impact of this work in our communities,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“Access to childcare is critical for working parents and an essential part of a thriving economy. By providing childcare providers with no-cost training and advising, we can help them take steps to start and grow their businesses while ensuring more families have access to quality childcare,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.
The Essential Business Skills for Child Care Administrators program pairs an expert-designed child care curriculum with no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising and no- to low-cost training to help child care professionals confidently start, grow, or exit their child care business. New and existing child care administrators, home-based child care businesses, and individuals interested in starting a child care business can all benefit from the program, which is currently available on-demand with in-person and hybrid events starting in January 2026.
“The Colorado Small Business Development Center training focused on early childhood education provides skills and knowledge to develop and maintain a thriving child care business with a minimal time commitment from Early Childhood Education professionals and at no cost to them,” said Rebecca Vlasin, Director DECW.
The program comes in response to the Colorado Shines Brighter Needs Assessment, which identified opportunities to improve knowledge and support around child care licensing and offer essential business support to child care providers. Various Colorado SBDC locations will offer the Essential Business Skills for Child Care Administrators program, including:
- four on-demand child care business modules focused on general business, financial management, and marketing at no cost
- four one-on-one confidential advising sessions with Colorado SBDC advisors at no cost access to a series of supplemental business tools, training programs, and
- resources at no- or low-cost
“As we wrap up National Entrepreneurship Month, the Colorado SBDC is excited to continue our partnership with CDEC. Together, we are strengthening our economy by providing vital support to child care businesses and ensuring a brighter future for all Coloradans,” said Hannah Krieger, Colorado SBDC Director.
For more information about the Essential Business Skills for Child Care Administrators program and information on how to register for training and advising, visit the Colorado SBDC Child Care webpage.
About the Colorado Small Business Development Center
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is Colorado’s most trusted business resource. We empower businesses to launch, advance, and thrive, ultimately fueling innovation, strengthening local economies, and driving economic vitality across the state. Since 1987, the Colorado SBDC has been the state's only nationally accredited, go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage. With 14 Service Centers, over 25 Satellite Centers, and a network of approximately 300 business experts, the Colorado SBDC delivers no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising, essential training, and vital connections to community partners.
About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.
About the Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Established in 2022, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) unifies early childhood services under one agency to streamline access, improve outcomes, and build a sustainable, equitable system for all. Learn more at cdec.colorado.gov