Business of Caring is a new thread initiative designed to support Alaskans in creating and licensing child care programs. Participants receive access to materials, resources, and personalized support, as well as stipends to help cover a variety of startup costs. By combining practical tools with financial relief, Business of Caring empowers educators to successfully meet licensing requirements and build strong, sustainable child care businesses that serve Alaska’s children and families.

Enrollment in thread’s Business of Caring program is open through October 31, 2025.
Participants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis as interest and resources allow.

This opportunity is made possible with initial funding from the State of Alaska’s PDG B-5, grant #90TP0103. 
This funding ends December 31, 2025. 

Available Supports When You Enroll

Enrolled participants will receive personalized support and essential materials to guide them through the licensing process. Available resources could include a $500 stipend to help cover the cost of required inspections, trainings, background checks, and safety materials. Additional materials may also be provided, depending on funding availability.

Eligibility

Take the First Step

STEP 1: Enroll in Business of Caring

Whether you are just starting your journey or have already submitted your child care licensing application, the first step to receive personalized support is to complete our quick online enrollment. Once you’ve enrolled through thread’s Business of Caring program, you will:

• Meet with your thread partner to support your submission of your child care licensing application.
• Receive an introduction to the licensing office.
• Receive 6 months of access to online tools to help complete your licensing application:
  • thread Tools – Providing policies, templates, and business tools.
  • ProSolutions Training – Offering required trainings online.
  • Small Business Development Training
• Join the Alaska SEED Registry to track your professional development.

STEP 2: Submit your child care license application

Once you submit your application to either the State of Alaska or the Municipality of Anchorage licensing office, send your thread partner a copy of your submission receipt. You will then:

• Meet with your thread partner to plan next steps.
• Receive funding and/or materials, as resources remain, to offset the cost of application requirements, to include:
  • Financial Support – $500 stipend to be used towards any of the following:
    • Fire inspection
    • DEC well and septic testing
    • Background checks
    • Business license
    • Pediatric CPR & First Aid
    • Other necessary costs
  • Materials Provided
    • First Aid kits
    • Disaster kit
    • Other safety materials are available as needed

STEP 3: Licensing Review

Once your child care application has been reviewed by licensing, you will receive a “10 Day Letter.” This letter outlines the remaining steps required to complete your application and should be completed within ten days. These steps may include an inspection by the fire marshal, well & septic testing, background checks, obtaining a business license, and other necessary tasks. Once you have shared this letter with your thread partner, you will:

• Meet with your thread partner to create a plan to complete any remaining licensing requirements.
• Receive reimbursements for additional licensing costs, as funding remains available.

STEP 4: Receive your child care license!

Becoming licensed is an investment in yourself and your community. We are grateful for your commitment! Share your shiny new license with your thread partner and let’s celebrate!

• Discover benefits and thread opportunities available only to licensed child care programs!
  • thread Quality Initiatives providing additional quality and financial support.
  • A variety of complimentary training from engaging local experts.
  • Continued access to online training and resources.
  • Enrollment in thread’s child care referral system.
  • Child care assistance program enrollment information.
• thread recognizes that this investment can be expensive and time consuming. We are actively seeking and advocating for additional funding to support growing new child care businesses! Stay tuned!