Build and grow your licensed childcare business
An 8-week course for home-based childcare providers and entrepreneurs.
Business of Care is a free training program for people who want to start or grow a licensed in-home childcare business. This program includes expert-led classes, access to childcare-focused consultants, and the opportunity to apply for a home daycare grant to support your goals.
Is Business of Care Right for You?
This class is a great fit if you:
- Want to learn how to start a home-based family daycare business
- Already run a childcare business and want learn how to grow your daycare business
- Need help understanding childcare business finances, operations, or marketing
- Want access to one-on-one consulting and potential funding
- Want access to childcare business plan and parent handbook templates
Running a non-childcare business? Check out Smart Entrepreneurial Training (SET) for broader business support.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll walk away with a plan to launch or expand your childcare business, including:
- Tools to manage your childcare finances and pricing
- Strategies to market your services to local families
- Best practices in daycare recordkeeping and tax readiness
- A supportive network of childcare providers and mentors
Topics include:
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Sales and marketing basics
- Business finances and projections
- Licensing and legal considerations
- Childcare-specific recordkeeping and operations
Support from Experts Who Understand Childcare
Throughout the course, you’ll work with instructors and consultants who specialize in childcare business development. One-on-one sessions offer personalized guidance on your business’ specific goals and challenges.
Eligibility
This class is only available to residents of Santa Barbara County and Ventura County.
Applicants who have received WEV Grant Funding within the last two years are not eligible to participate at this time. Applicants are only eligible for one grant opportunity regardless of how many businesses they own.
Ready to Take Your Home Childcare Business to the Next Level?
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, we’re here to support you. With expert guidance and practical tools, Business of Care helps you build a thriving childcare business that serves your community. Review the schedule of upcoming classes below and fill out an interest form to get started today.
Class Schedule Options
During enrollment, you will have the opportunity to select one of the following class schedules to participate in. Class spaces are limited.
| DATES | SCHEDULE | LANGUAGE | FORMAT | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/19/25 – 10/7/25 | Tu 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Saturday sessions | English and Spanish | Online or in-person option | Camarillo |
Enrollment for the Ventura County cohort is now closed. To be placed on our interest list, complete an interest form and we will reach out to you when enrollment opens in your area.
