Established in 2006, the Growth Fund combines funding with the expertise centers need to not only identity their most critical business challenges but to actually tackle them.  Centers chosen to participate in the Growth Fund will each receive a grant to develop a business plan.  Centers may use their own consultants (with approval by FCF) or choose one from our pool of experts.  Centers may also use some of the grant to cover staff costs during planning. 

The business plan will not sit on a shelf gathering dust.  Centers who successfully complete the plan will receive additional funding over two years to actually implement the plan.   Past participants have used the additional funding for such quality improvements as: 1) new computer equipment and software for more effective financial management; 2) a marketing and communications consultant to develop a new set of marketing materials and a comprehensive marketing plan: (3) development of a new web page; (4) business related staff training and development; (5) specific facilities improvements designed to enhance the market appeal of the program; (6) board recruitment and development; and much more. 

The Growth Fund will also help center directors develop leadership skills.  Center directors will be networking and exchanging ideas with their peers.  In addition, the Growth Fund Advisors, a group of business and early care and education professionals, will share their knowledge and experiences with center directors as they develop and implement their business plans.

Complete applications are due April 30, 2008.