For many years, rural communities have struggled to have enough childcare providers for working families. After the COVID pandemic, Houghton County chose to use a portion of its American Rescue Plan funds to support a business growth program that aims to add qualified childcare providers in the region.
Start Small starts small, working with individuals who are interested in growing their dream of becoming a childcare provider. The program covers in-home settings, helps existing providers expand and strengthens the local childcare workforce.
In 2025, Start Small Build Your Childcare Business created 60 new childcare slots. While the new licensed providers are a great accomplishment, Treehouse Family Resource Center, Keweenaw Community Foundation, Great Start to Quality and the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance know there’s more work to do.
In 2022, when Houghton County earmarked funds for what would become the Start Small program, then-KFRC Executive Director Iola Brubaker reported to commissioners the region was in need of at least 700 new childcare slots.
Keweenaw Community Foundation Executive Director Robin Meneguzzo says this progress is proof that when communities unite around a shared challenge, meaningful change is possible.
In January, the Start Small organizing group will host the Shine Bright Childcare Celebration at the Hancock Community Hub. Organizers say this celebration will be a great place for those interested in starting a childcare business or wanting to expand their existing childcare to learn more about the Start Small program and ways to help fill the childcare gap in the Copper Country.
Learn more about the Jan. 16 celebration and the Start Small Build Your Childcare Business program with the Copper Country Great Start Collaborative here and the Keweenaw Community Foundation here.
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