
Childcare in Manitowoc County is looking for a positive impact following a large grant that was presented to Progress Lakeshore.
The Manitowoc County-based organization was awarded a $133,390 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
As part of the most recent round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants (EPG), the funding from this program is state-wide to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs across Wisconsin.
Progress Lakeshore was one of 14 organizations to receive a Grant from EPG, which launched back in 2021 to help support organizations’ start-ups.
The grant received this year will help fund the Progress Lakeshores Child Care Accelerator project, which aims to increase the availability and quality of childcare in Manitowoc County.
The focus of the project is expanding childcare provider networks, strengthening professional development, upgrading facility standards, and creating sustainable funding models.
In Manitowoc County, there are 2,426 childcare spots to meet the demand.
Progress Lakeshore is looking to provide training and mentorship to new facilities, as well as offering low-interest loans, and they are also looking to create a revolving loan fund to support providers in improving facility qualities in the community.