The City of Portland’s Growing Child Care (PGCC) Grant Program aims to support the development and expansion of child care businesses in Portland by providing financial assistance. The program offers up to $15,500 in grants for new home-based child care businesses to cover start-up costs and up to $11,000 for existing child care businesses, including home-based care, out-of-school programs (before and after school care), and child care centers, to expand their services. This initiative seeks to increase the number of available child care slots and improve accessibility through the acceptance of the State of Maine’s Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP).

The funding is structured in multiple tiers for new home-based child care businesses. The first installment of up to $1,000 covers permitting and licensing costs, such as City Occupation Permits, Conditional Use Permits, and CPR/First Aid training. The second installment of up to $10,000 supports infrastructure, supplies, and equipment. The final installment of up to $4,000 is available for payroll costs, with an additional $500 incentive for providers who enroll in CCSP. For existing child care businesses, the grant provides up to $10,000 for payroll, infrastructure improvements, and COVID-19 safety measures, with additional incentives of $500 for CCSP participation and $500 for serving as a mentor site for CDA trainees.

Eligibility criteria for start-ups include planning to care for 3-12 children and operating within Portland. Existing businesses must be located in Portland, be currently licensed, or provide proof of exemption for out-of-school programs. All applicants must demonstrate an increase in enrollment due to the funding. The application review process considers various factors, including completeness, budget soundness, applicant motivation, education background, teaching approach, experience in child care and business management, and financial standing. Preference is given to applicants who increase the number of available slots, particularly for infants and toddlers, operate with a high-quality rating, extend their hours of operation, or offer weekend care.

Required documentation for new child care businesses includes the City of Portland Growing Child Care Grant Application, a personal financial statement from all owners with at least 20% ownership, a 2021 personal tax return, and a personal credit report (to be pulled by the City). Existing child care businesses and out-of-school programs must submit similar documents, with the addition of a business tax return or Form 990 if the entity is a nonprofit.

The City’s Housing and Economic Development Department, in collaboration with the City’s ARPA Program Coordinator, administers the grant program. Applications undergo an eligibility review before being evaluated by a review committee. Funding will continue until all allocated funds are exhausted. Additional city regulations and step-by-step instructions are provided for home-based child care businesses to obtain the necessary permits and state licenses.