Advantage Valley will host a three-part series of free child care start-up business workshops in Kanawha and Putnam counties, including a virtual webinar, as part of its Fostering Advantages for Start-Ups & Entrepreneurial Resurgence in West Virginia (FASTER WV) program.
These workshops, supported by grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, are designed to help prospective child care providers navigate the steps and resources needed to start or expand a child care center, family care facility or family care home in the Advantage Valley region—Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam and Wayne counties. Current child care providers interested in expanding their operations are also encouraged to attend.
Child Care Business Workshops:
- Putnam County – March 24 – 6 p.m. at Area 34, located at 971 West Virginia 34, Hurricane, WV 25526
- Virtual Workshop – March 25 – 6 p.m.
- Kanawha County – March 26 – 6 p.m. at Element Federal Credit Union, located at 1611 4th Avenue, Charleston, WV 25387
“We know from the data that our region is short roughly 5,000 child care slots,” says Terrell Ellis, president and CEO of Advantage Valley. “Over the past year, we’ve hosted these workshops to connect individuals interested in entering the child care sector with the resources they need to get started. These sessions are designed to be a one-stop shop, bringing together the information, guidance and partners entrepreneurs need to open or expand a child care business.”
Participants at these free workshops will hear presentations from a range of child care resource and agency partners who will walk through the key steps involved in opening or expanding a child care business. Topics will include licensing requirements, regulatory guidance and the support services available to help providers get started. Advantage Valley staff will also be available to discuss their business coaching services and funding opportunities, including grants for equipment, technical assistance and loan programs designed to support prospective and expanding child care providers. Each workshop is free and will last approximately one hour.
“Access to reliable child care remains one of the biggest barriers preventing many people from entering or staying in the workforce,” Ellis says. “As our region continues to grow and create new job opportunities, expanding child care options is critical. These workshops are designed to help aspiring providers take the next step by connecting them with the tools, funding opportunities and partners needed to successfully launch or grow a child care business.”
The sessions will feature presentations from several key partners, including:
• Link & Connect Resource and Referral: Offering traveling education resources, program planning tools and support with child care center layout and design
• Local Health Departments: Guidance on required permits and inspections needed to meet state and local health regulations
• West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office: Insight into fire code compliance and preparing facilities for inspection
• Advantage Valley: An overview of the technical assistance, mini-grants and loan programs available through the FASTER WV initiative
• West Virginia Small Business Development Center: Business coaching, website development assistance and marketing resources for new child care businesses
Advantage Valley has already seen tangible results from these workshops. In 2025, the organization worked with several child care providers who participated in the sessions, helping them navigate licensing requirements, connect with resources and move forward with opening or expanding their businesses. One new child care center in Kanawha County was established as a direct result of connections made through the workshops.
“These workshops have been an incredibly valuable tool for connecting both current and aspiring providers with the resources and information they need to run their businesses more effectively,” Ellis says. “For existing child care providers who may be considering expanding or improving their operations, these workshops can help connect you with the partners, funding opportunities and guidance needed to take that next step.”
Register for the free workshop on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/advantage-valley-55321568063. For more information, visit www.advantagevalley.com.
