Bedford County Economic Development Authority Launches Childcare Facilities Grant

(Bedford, VA)—The Bedford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has established a $30,000 incentive fund program for childcare providers in Bedford County. A total of $30,000 is available and may be divided among qualified applicants.

The matching grant offers up to $30,000 for capital equipment purchases, infrastructure improvements, or training expenses that are related to the creation or expansion of a childcare facility within Bedford County, and demonstrates quality improvements, sustainability, or results in adding new childcare slots to help alleviate the shortage of available childcare in Bedford County. This grant does not cover childcare providers in the Town of Bedford since that locality has its own childcare grant program.

The childcare grant applicant shall be a Licensed Provider/Program by the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the grant must result in the applicant achieving licensure status.

The grant funds must be used for facility modifications or upgrades that are in compliance with childcare licensing standards and/or other related capital investments specifically affiliated with the expansion of childcare services (i.e., cribs, playground equipment, books, etc.).

Wyatt Walton, EDA Chairman, highlighted, “The demand for more safe, high-quality, and affordable childcare in Bedford County has been a longstanding challenge for working parents and employers. We are optimistic that this grant funding will help remove obstacles for providers looking to start or expand their businesses.”

According to Childcare Aware of Virginia, there are 36 total childcare programs in Bedford County, of which 17 are regulated/licensed childcare programs. The total capacity of licensed centers, preschools, family childcare homes, and school age–only programs is 1,229 children.

The program type can be a child day care, family day homes or family day systems as long as they are registered with the Department of Education or will achieve registration through the grant.

The application opens on July 1, 2024, and will remain open through July 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed by a committee before recommendations are presented to the Bedford County Economic Development Authority at its October meeting.

The Economic Development Authority will fund one-half of the total grant amount up to $30,000 in reimbursement. Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis for documented, qualifying expenditures. The grant is fully funded by the Bedford County EDA and administered by Bedford County Office of Economic Development staff.