WOOD COUNTY, Wis. — Individuals interested in starting a family child care business and existing providers looking to expand may be eligible for thousands of dollars in grant funding through a new child care capacity-building initiative in Wood County. The Wood County Child Care Task Force has announced the availability of Child Care Capacity Building Grants designed to increase the number of regulated child care slots available to families throughout the county. Funding for the grants is being provided through the Wood County American Rescue Plan Act through the Wood County Health Department. Three levels of financial assistance are available: Up to $10,000 for new family child care start-ups. Up to $5,000 for certified child care providers seeking to become licensed. Up to $2,500 for licensed providers looking to expand their programs to 12 child care slots. The initiative is intended to help address the need for additional child care options by reducing some of the financial barriers associated with starting, licensing or expanding a family child care program. “Expanding child care capacity is essential to ensuring Wood County families have access to the care they need,” said Kelly Borchardt, executive director of Childcaring, Inc. Community organizations, businesses and other partners are being encouraged to share information about the grant program with individuals who may be interested in operating a family child care business or expanding an existing program. The application deadline is October 30, 2026. Those interested in learning more about the Child Care Capacity Building Grants or determining whether they qualify can contact Childcaring, Inc. at 715-841-9490 or 1-800-628-8534, or visit the Childcaring, Inc. website for additional information.