Government Extended Childcare Business Grants Scheme until End of 2014
The Childcare Business Grants Scheme aims to boost the provision of childcare in England and to incentivise entrepreneurship. Since its launch last year the scheme, which encourages and supports the starting up of new childcare businesses by providing a flat rate start-up grant has helped more than 1,000 new childcare start-ups off the ground and is now seeking additional applications from businesses that meet the eligibility criteria.
The scheme, which has a budget of £2 million and was due to end this spring, has now been extended until 31 December 2014.
There are three types of grant available, depending on the type of childcare business that is to be set up:
1. £250 for new childminding businesses (a childminder is someone who looks after children in their own home, either alone or with help from one or two other adults).
2. £500 for new childminding businesses (as above) that intend to provide care for disabled children.
3. £500 for larger childcare businesses, including nurseries and out-of-school clubs (which are usually run in a specialist building), and childcare businesses on domestic premises (in someone's home, but with four or more adults working there).
All costs incurred through the setting up of a childcare business will be considered as eligible. This includes: courses attended, health check, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, public liability insurance, house or commercial building insurance cover, additional car insurance to cover the transportation of the children in care, and any additional equipment that is purchased.
Those who are intending to set up a brand new childcare business in England may apply for support through this programme. Applicants are required to contact their local authority before applying for this grant.
Scheme website: http://www.childcarebusinessgrants.dcms.gov.uk/
Applications may be submitted at any time until 31st December.
