Community Child Care Forum at Cumberland Public Library
2026-07-27 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Cumberland Public Library, 310 W Main St, Cumberland, United States
What Is Family Child Care, and Why Does Every Community Need It?
Thinking about starting your own child care business? You don’t have to do it alone.
Whether you’re exploring a new career, looking to open a family child care business, or you’re already a provider hoping to grow, this free community forum is designed to help you take the next step.
Join SOAR’s EKY Runway Program and our regional partners for an evening of practical information, expert guidance, and resources that can help bring quality child care to more Eastern Kentucky communities.
Date: Monday, July 27Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMLocation:Cumberland Public Library310 W Main StreetCumberland, KY
Cost: Free
Register Today
Why Attend?
Across Eastern Kentucky, access to affordable, quality child care remains one of the biggest barriers facing working families and employers. Family child care providers play a vital role in strengthening local communities by expanding care options while creating meaningful small business opportunities.
If you’ve ever considered opening your own child care business or expanding your existing program, this forum will connect you with the people and resources that can help make it happen.
You’ll hear directly from organizations that support child care providers every step of the way, from licensing and startup guidance to business coaching and ongoing technical assistance.
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for individuals who are:

Interested in launching a Type I Licensed Child Care Facility
Interested in becoming a Certified Family Child Care or Type II Licensed Family Child Care provider
Preparing to become licensed
Current child care providers looking to expand or strengthen their business

What You’ll Learn
During this interactive forum, you’ll discover:

The first steps to opening your own child care program
Licensing requirements and available resources
Business coaching and startup support through SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA)
Technical assistance available through the Kentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD) and Child Care Aware of Kentucky
How regional organizations work together to help child care providers succeed

Meet the Organizations Supporting You
This forum is presented through a partnership between organizations committed to expanding child care opportunities across Eastern Kentucky.
Presenting Partners include:

Kentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD)
Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASDN)
SOAR’s EKY Runway Program

Together, these partners provide education, coaching, technical assistance, and ongoing support to help providers build sustainable child care businesses.
Help Build Stronger Communities
Quality child care creates opportunities for children, families, employers, and entire communities.
Whether you’re ready to launch your business or simply want to learn what’s possible, this free event is a great place to begin.
Reserve your seat today and take the first step toward becoming part of Eastern Kentucky’s growing child care workforce.

The 2026 Social Enterprise Accelerator Demo Day
2026-07-28 11:00 - 14:00
📅 Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
🕒 Time: 11 AM – 2 PM
📍 Location: HCTC, First Federal Building, Hazard, KY
Join us for a celebration of innovation and impact at the EKY Runway Program’s 2026 Social Enterprise Accelerator Demo Day.
This special event highlights the graduating 2026 SEA Fellows and showcases the work of entrepreneurs developing solutions to Eastern Kentucky’s most pressing workforce challenges, including childcare, housing, transportation, workforce development, and other barriers to economic growth.
During the event, attendees will:

Watch each graduate share their business ideas and plans to grow and expand in their community
Network with community leaders, lenders, SOAR mentors, and entrepreneurial support organizations
Learn how the Social Enterprise Accelerator supports business growth, job creation, and community impact
Celebrate the next generation of Eastern Kentucky innovators building a stronger regional economy

The event will also feature a panel of community leaders discussing solutions to Eastern Kentucky’s most pressing barriers, including childcare, housing, transportation, and workforce development.
Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP and include any dietary restrictions.
Who Should Attend

Business owners interested in social enterprise and regional impact
Anyone interested in starting or growing a mission-driven business
SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator Alumni
Local lenders and investors
Community and business leaders
Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs)
Community members supporting local growth and development

Seats are limited. RSVP today to secure your spot.
👉 Register Now

Community Child Care Virtual Information Session
2026-07-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
What Is Family Child Care, and Why Does Every Community Need It?
Explore how you can start or grow a child care business from anywhere in Eastern Kentucky.
Interested in opening a family child care business but can’t attend an in-person event? Join SOAR’s EKY Runway Program, The Social Enterprise Accelerator, and our regional partner Appalachian Early Childhood Network, for an afternoon of practical information, expert guidance, and resources that can help bring quality child care to more Eastern Kentucky communities.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or you’re already providing care and looking to expand, this online session will connect you with experts who can answer your questions and help you take the next step.
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (ET)
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free (Registration Required)
Register Today
Why Attend?
Quality child care is one of the greatest needs across Eastern Kentucky, creating opportunities for both families and entrepreneurs.
This virtual information session is designed to help you understand how becoming a family child care provider can make a difference in your community while creating a rewarding business of your own.
You’ll hear directly from organizations that provide licensing guidance, business coaching, startup resources, and ongoing technical assistance to help providers succeed.
Who Should Attend?
This session is perfect for individuals who are:

Interested in launching a Type I Licensed Child Care Facility
Interested in becoming a Certified Family Child Care or Type II Licensed Family Child Care provider
Preparing to become licensed
Current child care providers looking to expand or strengthen their business
Unable to attend the in-person Community Child Care Forum

What You’ll Learn
During this one-hour virtual session, you’ll learn about:

The steps to becoming a licensed child care provider
Different family child care licensing options
Business coaching and startup support through SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA)
Resources available through Child Care Aware of Kentucky and the Kentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD)
Technical assistance and ongoing support available to child care providers
How to begin building a successful child care business in your community

There will also be time for questions and answers with program representatives.
Meet the Organizations Supporting You
This virtual information session is presented through a partnership of organizations committed to expanding child care access throughout Eastern Kentucky.
Presenting Partners include:

Kentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD)
Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASDN)
SOAR’s EKY Runway Program

Together, these organizations provide education, coaching, technical assistance, and business support to help new and existing child care providers succeed.
Join From Anywhere
If you’ve been thinking about starting a child care business but weren’t sure where to begin, this virtual session is an easy first step.
Join us from wherever you are in Eastern Kentucky, ask your questions, learn about available resources, and discover how you can help strengthen your community through quality child care.
Once you register, you’ll receive a Zoom link and additional details before the event.
Reserve Your Spot Today
