Helping your child care business grow
Oakland Thrive offers services to help child care businesses thrive in Oakland County — from access to capital and licensing to workforce development and certification.
Support at every stage
We offer a range of services to help child care centers start, grow, and build for sustainability.
Access to Capital
- Lender introductions
- Funding preparation, loan review, loan packaging
- Pre-seed, seed, and growth capital
- Revolving loan funds & micro loans
- SBA real estate loans
Site Location
- Work with local municipalities
- Site location assistance
- Commercial real estate guidance
Access to Licensing
- Guidance on state, county, and local licensing requirements
- Support applying for and renewing a Michigan child care license (LARA)
Workforce Development
- Professional development resources
- Continuing education resources & information
- Child Development Associate (CDA®) credential guidance
Entrepreneurial Support
- Child care business assistance in every community
- Educational workshops, seminars, and training sessions
- Assistance with accreditation and quality applications
Diversification Through Certification
- Women-owned business enterprise certification
- Minority-owned business enterprise certification
- Veteran-owned business enterprise certification
MI Tri-Share Program
The MI Tri-Share program splits the cost of child care equally between an employer, the employee, and the State of Michigan — easing the burden on families. Oakland Thrive encourages all of our business clients to become Tri-Share employers who help their employees with the cost of child care.
Funding & Grants
CEED Lending— an initiative of the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council providing expansion and start-up financing across nine southeast Michigan counties.
Ascendus — business expansion financing and small business loans. Plus food program resources through CACFP for nutritious meals and snacks.
Proud of our child care business partners
Little Bear's Learning Center, LLC
Established in 2012 with an emphasis on collaboration between staff, families, and their surrounding communities. Serves children from six weeks to 6 years of age across bear-themed classes.
Marvelous Child Development Center
A Reggio Emilia-centric preschool focused on creativity, imagination, and critical thinking, with wholesome food, a non-toxic environment, and a vast outdoor play space.
Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers
"Your family is a part of our family." Programs for children 6 weeks to 6 years, before/after school for grades K-6, summer camps, and Great Start Readiness Program pre-K.
Let's grow your child care business
Tell us a little about your business and we'll connect you with the right resources. You can also schedule a meeting with our consultant.
If you're interested in your CDA credential
Contact Oakland Thrive at info@oaklandthrive.org to be connected with a CDA training organization.