OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grants will provide funding up to
$50,000 to eligible early childhood education programs to support operations and
preserve child care access
STAMFORD, Conn. — The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), today announced the launch of the OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grants, a funding opportunity designed to help eligible early childhood businesses continue operating and serving families across Connecticut.
Through the program, eligible family child care homes may receive grants of $5,000, while eligible group child care homes and child care centers may receive grants of up to $50,000. Funds may be used to support core business and operating expenses, including staffing, materials, facility costs, and other critical needs that help providers maintain quality care and preserve existing early childhood slots.
“Over this past year, we have listened to child care providers describe their struggles to keep their programs stable and continue to serve their children and families with quality care during these challenging economic times. In response, the OEC, through a partnership with WBDC, is offering a one-time Program Operations Grant opportunity funded through the Early Childhood Education Endowment to help child care providers working in communities and serving families with the most need,” said OEC Commissioner Elena Trueworthy. “These modest grants will support providers with funding to help pay for costs related to running their business, ensuring the children are in healthy, safe, and nurturing care and enabling parents to work and support their families.”
“Child care providers are small business owners, educators, caregivers, and essential partners in Connecticut’s economy,” said Fran Pastore, CEO of WBDC. “The OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grant Program is designed to provide timely resources to help qualified providers continue doing what they do best — caring for children, supporting families, and making it possible for parents and caregivers to participate in the workforce. WBDC is proud to partner with OEC to invest in the strength and continuity of Connecticut’s early childhood system.”
OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grants are available to eligible OEC-licensed early childhood programs that meet criteria established by OEC and WBDC. Eligible applicants must be licensed by OEC as a family child care home, group child care home, or child care center prior to November 1, 2025, and must operate full-time with enrolled children.
Program details, including full eligibility criteria and application information, are available at ctwbdc.org/oec-operations-grants.
About the Women’s Business Development Council
The Women’s Business Development Council’s (WBDC) mission is to support economic prosperity for women and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services that create and grow sustainable jobs and businesses across Connecticut. WBDC educates, motivates, and empowers women to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. Since 1997, WBDC has educated and trained over 22,700 clients across all 169 towns in Connecticut — helping women launch, sustain, and scale over 17,000 businesses, create and maintain more than 42,890 jobs, and access over $90 million in capital. Since 2020, WBDC has provided more than $20.6 million in grants to help fuel growth in small businesses throughout Connecticut. Visit ctwbdc.org for more information.
About the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is a state agency that oversees a network of programs and services that help young children and families. OEC supports early learning and development and strengthens the vital role of families, child care providers and educators, and communities throughout a child’s life. OEC’s vision is for all young children to be safe, learning, and thriving. Learn more by visiting www.ctoec.org.