HomeMy WebLinkAboutADVOCAP Childcare Business Incubator ARPA Grant NarrativeADVOCAP Childcare Business Incubator
1. PROGRAM/PROJECT APPROACH
a) Briefly describe the program/project
ADVOCAP is seeking funds to construct a childcare business incubator. ADVOCAP’s Childcare
Incubator Program is a new and innovative way to address our childcare crisis and increase the
number of individuals in the workforce. The program is designed for low-income individuals to
start their own childcare business within ADVOCAP’s incubator facility. Each participant will
have their own space within the incubator. The incubator is not a childcare center, it is a shared
facility with separate incubators running their business independently from one another. The
facility will offer a flexible space to allow each childcare to accommodate various age ranges
and allow for new childcare providers to move in when a business owner expands and moves
out. Through our Business Development Department, ADVOCAP will provide technical
assistance so business owners can obtain the proper training and licensing necessary to run a
successful childcare. ADVOCAP will also assist in developing successful business and marketing
plans. We will ensure that each business has proper insurance coverage and proper start up
equipment as they begin their journey of self-employment.
b) Describe the need
Winnebago County has experienced a steady decline of childcare slots since 2015. In just one
year, from 2021 to 2022, Winnebago County lost 138 slots.
(https://datacenter.aecf.org/data/tables/3489-licensed-child-care-slots) According to Child
Care Finder, in the city of Oshkosh, there is currently one childcare option that offers nighttime
and weekend care. This in-home provider is certified to provide care for 3 children under the
age of 7. There is also only one childcare option offering hours suitable for a second shift
worker. This provider is also licensed to provide care for 3 children under the age of 7. Overall,
there is just not enough childcare available for all those who need it.
The City of Oshkosh 23-24 Strategic Plan identifies supporting entrepreneurship as a primary
objective in the strategic goal to support economic development. ADVOCAP’s Childcare
Incubator Program will help Oshkosh meet this objective.
d) Describe level of collaboration with other agencies on this project.
Being a Community Action Agency, ADVOCAP has established many strong community
partnerships. Partners for this project include Fox Valley Technical College, Fox Valley
Workforce Development Board, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, Oshkosh Foundation, Child
Care Resource & Referral, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, UW Oshkosh Head
Start, Greater Oshkosh EDC and Forward Service Corps.
f) Specifically, what will you use ARPA funds for?
ARPA funds will be used to pay for 25% of the construction costs of the ADVOCAP Childcare
Incubator facility.
g) Who will benefit and how?
The new businesses created will contribute to economic growth and community development.
The Program will also create 32 additional childcare options supporting working parents,
promoting early childhood development, and contributing to the local economy.
i) How many individuals/families will be served?
In the first year of operation, ADVOCAP will help four low-income entrepreneurs start new
childcare businesses inside the Childcare Incubator facility. These businesses will create 32
childcare slots. ADVOCAP will encourage business owners to share space with other
entrepreneurs. This option would cut costs for the business owners, add even more childcare
slots, and offer multi-shift and/or weekend childcare options.
j) How will these funds help respond or recover from COVID?
COVID created financial hardship for many area childcare centers. Some were not able to
overcome this adversity and were forced to close, reducing the number of slots available for
working parents. ADVOCAP’s Childcare Incubator Program will help those working parents
obtain the childcare they need to go back to work.
545 Words with reduction
2.PROJECT OUTCOMES
b. Describe two anticipated measurable outcomes for your proposed project/program.
One: Funding to construct ADVOCAP’s Childcare Incubator facility will be secure by December
31, 2024.
Two: ADVOCAP’s Childcare Incubator facility will be fully constructed by September 30, 2025
and occupied by December 31, 2025.
c. Describe (if applicable) how proposed use of funds may achieve sustainability objectives as
described in the City’s sustainability plan.
The Childcare Business Incubator will include active and passive solar as an integral part of its
construction and operational energy efficiency.
d. Describe (if applicable) how project and proposed use of funds will benefit underrepresented
or marginalized individuals/groups
The business tenants of the Incubator will be from low-income households as measured by 80%
or less of CMI. Tenant outreach will emphasize efforts to attract households of diverse cultural
and racial backgrounds.
3.DESCRIBE THE AGENCY'S AUDITING AND FISCAL CONTROLS
a) Briefly describe your agency’s fiscal oversight/internal controls
b) How does your agency plan to segregate ARPA funds from other agency funds
ADVOCAP uses a fully integrated, computerized accounting system which allows for separation
of funding sources. An independent CPA audits financial records annually. ADVOCAP has always
met required federal audit standards without deficiency or negative findings. Each of the
internal controls ADVOCAP uses are reviewed and accepted by an outside auditor.
4.CONTINGENCY PLAN
a. If your grant request is not fully funded, what adjustments are you prepared to make? (28)
ADVOCAP is interested in initiating this model project in the City of Oshkosh. If we are not fully
funded, we will increase our efforts to engage other investors.
5.PROJECT BUDGET
a. Briefly explain project revenues and expenses related to this proposal. (Match budget
overview sheet)
b. Be specific about how ARPA dollars would be spent
c. Provide details about how funds would be used by December 31, 2024
Building Cost $250 per square feet x 1,200 x 4 units 1,200,000
Land 100,000
Parking lot/side walks 150,000
Playground Cost with Fence 100,000
Running utilities 50,000
Landscaping 100,000
Solar panels 150,000
Appliances 30,000
Equipment 20,000
Over-runs 100,000
Total Estimated Project Costs 2,000,000