Business of Caring is a new thread initiative designed to support Alaskans in creating and licensing child care programs. This opportunity is made possible with support from the State of Alaska Department of Health, the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5), and ConocoPhillips.

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.

Participants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis as interest and resources allow.

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 $1,000 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

Program Timeline

July 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027

• Enrollment Period: August 3, 2026 – August 31, 2026
• Peer Learning Community: September 2026 through March 2027
• Completion Date: May 2027

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:

• Be invited to join a Peer Learning Community through thread.
• Receive an introduction to child care licensing.
• Receive early access to online tools to help complete your licensing application:
  • threadTools – Providing policies, templates, and business tools.
  • ProSolutions Training – Offering required trainings online.
  • Small Business Development introduction for trainings and business supports.
• Join the Alaska SEED Registry to track your professional development.
• Ongoing support for your submission of your child care licensing application.

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 thread a copy of your submission receipt. You will then:

• Meet with thread to plan next steps.
• Receive funding and/or materials, as resources and funding are available, to offset the cost of application requirements, to include but not limited to:
  • Financial Support – starting at $1,000, based on program size, to be used towards any of the following:
    • Fire inspection
    • DEC well and septic testing
    • Background checks
    • Business license
    • Pediatric CPR & First Aid
    • Fire extinguishers
    • 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 an Application Status Letter. This letter outlines the remaining steps required to complete your application and should be completed within the time frame requested in the letter, or work with licensing if additional time is needed. 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 thread, you will:

• Meet with thread to create a plan to complete any remaining licensing requirements.
• Be considered for reimbursements for additional licensing barrier 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 thread 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. thread would like to offer an award up to $5,000 based on licensed capacity; these funds are intended to support and offset the cost of starting up your newly licensed child care program as funding remains available.

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