WBDC Childcare Grants Exceed $8M Since 2020

The Women’s Business Development Council has awarded $8.4 million in grants since 2020 to support almost 500 childcare businesses in Connecticut.

Released July 28, WBDC’s 2024 Annual Report highlights the impact of its initiatives, including the Childcare Business Support Program, managed in partnership with the state’s Office of Early Childhood.

The Childcare Business Opportunity Fund has awarded 787 grants since 2020, providing funds for a broad range of early childhood businesses.

In 2024, the fund supported 35 new businesses—up 13% over the previous year—generating 451 childcare slots and supporting 4,745 jobs.

“Access to reliable childcare is fundamental to a thriving economy and advancing workplace equity.”

WBDC’s Fran Pastore

Since 2020, the program has created much-needed 39,084 slots, served 1,956 providers, and supported 9,448 jobs.

“Access to reliable childcare is fundamental to a thriving economy and advancing workplace equity in Connecticut,” said WBDC CEO Fran Pastore.

“Before the pandemic, our state already faced a shortage of 50,000 childcare slots—a number projected to worsen significantly during the pandemic.”

Pastore said the program helped limit the loss of slots in Connecticut to 1%, “well below the national average of 10%.”

WBDC and OEC have extended the program through June 2027.