CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Advantage Valley will host free childcare start-up business workshops in Lincoln and Clay counties as part of its Fostering Advantages for Start-Ups & Entrepreneurial Resurgence in WV (FASTER WV) initiative. Funded through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, these workshops aim to guide prospective childcare providers through the process of launching or expanding a childcare center, family care facility, or in-home care program in West Virginia.
While the sessions are geared toward individuals interested in starting a new facility, existing providers are also encouraged to attend to explore growth opportunities and learn how Advantage Valley and its network of partners can support their expansion.
Childcare Workshops:
- Lincoln County – July 24th 6:30 pm at Lincoln County Opportunity Company – Training Center, located at 8041 Lynn Avenue Hamlin, WV 25523
- Clay County – August 12th 6:30 pm at WVU Clay County Extension Office, located at 184 Procious Maysel Road, Clay, WV 25043
“With job opportunities growing across our region, it’s critical that we support those interested in launching childcare businesses,” said Terrell Ellis, President and CEO of Advantage Valley. “These workshops are not only about inspiration—they’re about preparation. Participants will learn who to contact before investing in a location, such as fire marshals who can identify code requirements early. We’re proud to offer these sessions to connect people with the information, funding, and partners they need to make informed decisions and set their businesses up for success.”
These free sessions will feature presentations from key partners. Participants can expect to learn about:
- Link Resource and Referral /Connect Childcare Resource & Referral– Offering traveling education resources, program planning tools, and support for childcare center layout and design.
- Local Health Departments – Guidance on required permits and inspections to meet state and local health regulations.
- West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office – Insight into fire code compliance and preparing your facility for inspection.
- Advantage Valley – Overview of the technical assistance, mini-grants, and loan programs available through the FASTER WV initiative.
- Wonderschool and WV Small Business Development Center – Business coaching, website assistance, and marketing resources for new childcare businesses.
Existing childcare providers operating in Advantage Valley’s nine-county region who are interested in expanding or enhancing their operations are encouraged to participate. The counties include Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne.
“These workshops have been an incredibly valuable tool for connecting both current and aspiring providers with the resources and information they need to run their businesses more effectively,” Ellis said. “One success story involves a provider we connected with a suitable location, and they’re now preparing to open their doors next month. That connection would not have happened without their participation in the workshop.”
Register for the free workshop on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/advantage-valley-55321568063
For more information, visit www.advantagevalley.com.
