Childcare Business Initiative breaks ground in Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – Ground was broken on Wednesday for the Childcare Business Initiative in Manhattan. The program hopes to develop the next wave of childcare providers in the community.

The location, just across the parking lot from Ascension Via Christi, will be home to a center containing eight fully-equipped childcare suites.

Through training, mentorship, and support, CBI plans to set up childcare providers for a successful transition into the community within 12-18 months.

The groundbreaking comes at a time when there is a dire need for childcare in Manhattan and its surrounding communities.

CBI’s mission is to empower educators and entrepreneurs to build quality childcare services through business training, operational support, and access to resources for sustainable growth.

Flint Hills Community Accelerator Executive Director Lisa Isaacson spoke about the program’s significance and her vision.

“I am hoping that it will advocate for more individuals to be influenced to be small business owners and to become childcare providers,” Isaacson said. “So that we can have more childcare, high-quality childcare, available to all of our workforce in Manhattan.”

Several elected officials were on hand for the ceremony, including Senator Jerry Moran. Isaacson expressed her gratitude towards the support of those officials.

“It means a lot,” Isaacson said. “Not just to me, but to everyone who’s been involved in this project. This is their dream. They hired me as their Executive Director to steer their ship, and that is what I’m doing.”

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