The North Dakota Women’s Business Center (NDWBC) proudly announces the successful completion of its Fall 2025 Childcare Intensives program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen, scale, and sustain licensed childcare businesses across the state. NDWBC was the recipient of an Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) grant provided by Stearns Bank which invested $100,000 directly into graduates of the Intensives program. This fueled growth and sustainability for childcare providers who play a critical role in North Dakota’s workforce and economy.
Childcare is a cornerstone of economic vitality. By equipping providers with advanced business training, financial tools, and personalized coaching, NDWBC ensures families have access to reliable care. This enables parents to participate fully in the workforce and strengthening the state’s economic infrastructure.
“Childcare providers are essential to North Dakota’s economic success. This programming and investment reflects our commitment to helping these entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that support families and fuel workforce participation,” said Christy Dauer, Executive Director of NDWBC.
The Childcare Intensives program delivered hands-on workshops covering financial management, staffing strategies, marketing, and capital readiness. Graduates earned certificates, professional development credits, and qualified for grants through Stearns Bank to reinvest in their businesses, creating new jobs and expanding childcare availability statewide.
Participant Testimonials
Tonette Brackins – Little People’s World, Fargo
“Through this program, I found direction, courage, and community. Each session helped me take one more step toward my dream. Today, I’ve secured an 11,000-square-foot facility and am building a strong team to serve families. This journey has transformed my business—and me.”
Mary Grace Brendel – Little Blessings Academy, Bismarck
“The NDWBC Childcare Intensives program has been a true game-changer. It gave me the roadmap, tools, and confidence to grow. Thanks to NDWBC, I’m expanding into a larger facility, creating new jobs, and serving more families in my community.”
Program Impact and Inspiration
“I was truly inspired every Tuesday night by each participant’s desire to grow and succeed. The camaraderie in the room and the drive everyone brought to the table reflected a deep commitment to their community and their industry,” said Elizabeth Phares Oren, Director of Client Success.
Impact Highlights
- $100,000 invested directly into childcare businesses statewide
- Expansion projects underway, creating new jobs and increasing childcare availability
- 100% of graduates recommend the program and plan to maintain peer connections
NDWBC extends gratitude to the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC), Stearns Bank, and Child Care Aware of North Dakota for their partnership in advancing accessible, high-quality childcare; a cornerstone of North Dakota’s economic success.
The curriculum was intentionally structured to align with core adult learning principles, including relevancy, self-direction, collaboration, and practical application. To support these concepts, the program was divided into three parts: one-third instruction and facilitation led by NDWBC, one-third delivered by subject matter experts through guest presentations, and one-third dedicated to peer-to-peer interaction and resource sharing. Participants were also provided with an online platform to stay connected, share resources, and continue learning both throughout the course and after its completion. This structure ensured that the following class objectives were fully supported:
- Access best practices from childcare industry experts focused on business growth and expansion
- Receive personalized feedback from certified business coaches to identify opportunities for scaling operations
- Build connections with like-minded childcare business owners for collaboration and shared growth strategies
- Gain tools and strategies to overcome operational challenges while preparing for business expansion
- Develop deeper financial understanding to make informed decisions, plan for growth, and sustain long-term success
- Maintain ongoing access to resources, program guidebook, and expert insights to support continuous business development.