North Carolina Central University and Partner Empower Early Childcare Entrepreneurs

North Carolina Central University (NCCU), in collaboration with the Durham Built2Last Innovations Lab, hosted a program aimed at supporting childcare entrepreneurs in the local community. Held at the New School of Business on Sept. 7 – 8, 30 aspiring and existing childcare business owners arrived to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and address prevalent challenges in the industry.

Facilitated by NCCU faculty and alongside corporate partners from PNC Bank, the program covered a range of topics including entrepreneurial mindset, a childcare provider growth, strategic plan development, finance for business, marketing and digital literacy, marketing plan execution, business automation and capital formation. Participants were granted access to an array of resources including marketing tools, connections to freelancers and opportunities to collaborate with NCCU students to refine their business strategies.

Participants were largely underrepresented child care entrepreneurs. While 40% of daycare workers are people of color, only 21% are owners, according to data from Edtrust.org. This contrast highlights the racial gap along with the need for initiatives like this training program, which targets not only existing and aspiring owners but also individuals operating without the necessary legal certifications.

“This workshop allowed me to discover new methods and practical strategies that I can apply to my childcare business,” said Brenda A. Kithcart ’14, an NCCU alumna and owner of Kreative Kidz NC in Durham. “Networking with other childcare professionals who look like me and share similar day-to-day challenges was incredibly impactful, and the knowledge and support provided were unmatched.”

“This event embodies the spirit and legacy of our institution, aligning with Dr. Shepard's mission to create more Black educators,” said Katrece Boyd, executive director for the NCCU Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. “We understand the necessity of playing a role in the economic shift, empowering our community to thrive."