The Women’s Foundation of Alabama (WFA) has partnered with the Athens State University LaunchBox for its Advancing Alabama Child Care Accelerator, a 12-week business training program designed to strengthen child care providers and expand access to high-quality care for working families.
The Limestone County cohort, launching in May 2026, is part of WFA’s broader strategy to address the ongoing child care crisis affecting communities across Alabama and the nation. Through this initiative, WFA invests in women business owners, fosters peer collaboration, and applies proven business development strategies to support sustainable, community-based child care solutions.
The program is open to both center-based and home-based child care providers who are starting or growing their businesses. Participants will join a network of peers while receiving expert-led training and coaching from leaders in business development and early childhood education across the state.
The accelerator combines structured coursework, hands-on assignments, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, government representatives, and fellow entrepreneurs. Participants will also gain access to tools, resources, and potential funding opportunities designed to strengthen operations and increase the availability of child care in Limestone County.
By the end of the program, participants will be equipped to enhance their business operations, develop comprehensive business plans, improve financial management practices, and increase their readiness to secure funding. The program also supports alignment with Alabama’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), helping providers elevate the quality of care offered to children and families.
“When we support child care providers, we’re not just supporting businesses — we’re supporting parents’ ability to work, children’s ability to thrive, and communities’ ability to grow,” said Zhaundra C. Jones, Vice President, Strategy & Impact at Women’s Foundation of Alabama. “Too often, child care providers are viewed only through the lens of caregiving, not entrepreneurship. We wanted this accelerator to pour into them as business owners, leaders, and builders of critical community infrastructure.”
In-person sessions for the program will be held at the LaunchBox (121 S Marion St, Athens, AL), providing participants with a collaborative and accessible learning environment in the heart of downtown Athens.
For more information about the Advancing Alabama Child Care Accelerator, please visit www.wfalabama.org.