Article by: Cathy Enerson
The City of Eyota, MN recognized the local and regional need for area child care, and is working with a local business to help solve the shortage in their community.
CEDA team member Cathy Enerson who serves the City of Eyota has been working with the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide gap financing and business planning assistance to a current in-home provider looking to expand her local business from an in-home day care with 12 slots to a 96-slot, 6,000 square foot childcare center. This business, Little Eagles Childcare Center, is the second center to commence operation in the City, and research estimates that its service will satisfy approximately 46% of the community’s deficit. Enerson noted that because child care is a key part of community infrastructure, the EDA Board was immediately interested in providing assistance.
The project has involved several partner organizations to ensure its completion and overall success:
Financing for the total project cost of $1,035,000 was provided cumulatively by Home Federal Savings and Loan, Minnesota Business Finance Corporation, People’s Energy Cooperative, and the Eyota EDA. The City of Eyota also provided one acre of land and upfront tax increment financing to assist with financing.
Necessary research and resources were partially gleaned from First Children’s Finance of Minnesota, the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and Minnesota’s Center for Rural Policy and Development.
Design services were completed by Urban Design Studio, and project’s selected general contractor was TLS Companies, LLC.
Tracey Krucker and Trisha King, the owners of Little Eagles Childcare Center, shared that “without the partners and the counseling [they] received, a small business with limited capital feels stuck. Working with [these] partners made all the difference. [They] are realizing [their] dreams, and look forward to taking care of children in the community.”
Little Eagles Childcare Center broke ground on November 20th, and plans to open in May of 2018.
An extensive waiting list for all ages as already been acquired with minimal advertising, and the owners are optimistic about their long-term success in Eyota.