A state grant totaling $2.35 million has been awarded to start a Childcare Business Accelerator project in Manhattan.
The project is a collaborative effort by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and Ascension Via Christi. A total of $2.1 million will be dedicated to constructing a new facility, with $250,000 dedicated to programmatic expenses. The accelerator grant was made possible by the Kansas Office of Recovery – SPARK health and education initiatives funding for childcare capital improvements and Kansas Department for Children and Families Children’s Cabinet Trust Fund.
Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr says it’s a good start toward addressing a need in the local workforce.
According to Chamber President Jason Smith, about 1,400 eligible potential employees are unable to work due to the lack of childcare openings in the Manhattan area. Mayor Mark Hatesohl says while the funding is a great get, it’s only about half of what was requested locally.
A total of $43.5 million was awarded across the state, with over $117 million in total requests from local entities.
