Combatting the childcare shortage: This program is teaching people how to open their own daycares [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now)—To combat what city officials call a lack of childcare, the Women’s Business Development Center is helping those who work in the industry learn what it takes to start their own childcare business.

The childcare business program covers 15 counties throughout northern and central Illinois.

The WBDC says there’s a “childcare shortage.” According to the Illinois Child Care for All coalition, around 58% of the population lives without enough childcare providers.

The virtual business-building courses aim to help women pursuing daycare and educational entrepreneurship get the tools they need to run a company successfully.

“The trainings are building blocks for them to help grow their business,” said WBDC’s Managing Director for Entrepreneurial Program and Services Blanca Bethier. “They acquire business tools like marketing tools, how to brand their business, how to create a better pitch, how to manage their financials in a better way, how to make their operations more efficient.”

The Greater Peoria …