VT Business Planning Cohort Brendan Rooney December 17, 2024

Special Topics:

Sponsor: First Children’s Finance

Instructor: Rose Morrison

To participate you must submit an application, see the link below. This opportunity will be available Winter/Spring 2025.

First Children’s Finance is pleased to offer this business planning resource, through support by Let’s Grow Kids and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This project was developed to help address the need for more and expanded child care businesses in Vermont. The Business Planning Cohorts are designed to support child care business owners and directors that are just starting out in their business or are in the planning stages of a strategic change in direction (e.g. serving a new age group, adding a second location). This cohort is appropriate for all types of child care businesses – non-profit and for-profit centers, and FCCH. It is likely not appropriate for school-owned programs or for established businesses not planning a large change in their model (see additional information below).

What you can expect:

- Two in person Business Plan Writing Workshops including group discussions, time for independent work and instructor-led content.

- Five 90-minute online panel discussions, featuring sources of financing, Licensing/Permitting/Zoning, Success Stories from the Field, Statewide Early Childhood Resources and Statewide Business Resources

- Two-three consultations with First Children’s Finance Business Development team to work with you on your Business Plan, Financial Projections and Funding Applications. The third consultation is optional.

- A supportive group of peers to hold you accountable

- Introductions to a statewide network of resources for your business

- A $5,000 award upon completion of your business plan and financial projection

What we expect from you:

- Commit to 15-20 hours of engaged participation

- Participate in the panel discussions and consultations

- Be supportive of your peers and expect professional engagement from others

- Be prepared with the materials you need to get the most out of each session

- Complete a business plan and financial projection.

Core Knowledge Area

Program Planning & Development

Focus

Program Directors/Managers

Session Dates

Session Times

January 21, 2025

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Additional Information

*If you are a school-owned program or an established business and you would like support with your business plan, your budget, your business model, we would be happy to arrange a consultation with you.

To apply you will be required to create a account in Submittable.

To ensure that each participant intends to complete the cohort, we require an application be submitted by each prospective participant. If there are not enough spaces for all the qualified applicants, we may start a wait list or encourage applying for a later cohort.

Applications will be reviewed for demonstrated readiness, ability to commit to all cohort activities, and feasibility of business concept. Efforts will be made to enroll a wide mix of geographic areas and business types.