Starting a business is a bold step, but doing it with the right community behind you makes all the difference. This year, the Orange County Women’s Business Center (OCWBC) proudly celebrated the graduation of 81 aspiring childcare providers across two dedicated cohorts.

Designed to break down barriers for diverse local entrepreneurs, the 8-week program offered comprehensive business training, personalized advisory services, and mentorship available in four languages: English, Spanish, Farsi, and Vietnamese.

• Cohort 8 welcomed 35 graduates into our growing network of home-based childcare service providers
• Cohort 9 brought together 46 graduates, and was supported in part by the Orange County Board of Supervisors District 2 Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento.
  
  

This initiative was made possible through strong community collaboration with First 5 OC, the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC, OCAEYC, and CIELO. Beyond hands-on guidance, graduates who complete their licensing can earn up to $5,000 in start-up stipends, helping them turn their homes into safe, nurturing environments for the next generation.