Grant County Development Corporation

10/28/2026

Bright Futures has $50,000 available in round one for child care providers serving Grant County. That's enough for up to 10 grants of up to $5,000 each.
The program is made possible by the South Dakota Community Foundation and local supporters of GCDC.
If you're a provider, or thinking about becoming one, now is the time to apply. Child care capacity is workforce capacity, and every new spot helps a Grant County family get to work.
Apply at www.grantcountysd.com, or contact GCDC for a paper application.

10/26/2026

When a parent's child care falls through, they leave early, arrive late or miss work. That affects every employer in Grant County.
Here's how your business can help:
• Share this series with your employees. Some of them may already care for kids, or want to.
• Talk with GCDC about partnering with a provider to create spots for your workforce. Employer partnerships are eligible for Bright Futures at the committee's discretion.
• Ask us how child care fits into your hiring and retention plans.
Contact GCDC at www.grantcountysd.com.

10/24/2026

10/23/2026

Not every job runs 8 to 5. Plenty of Grant County workers start before sunrise, work evenings or pick up weekend shifts. Finding care for those hours is hard.
Bright Futures gives priority to providers who add care for:
• Early mornings
• Evenings past 5:30 p.m.
• Weekends and other non-traditional schedules
If you could offer those hours with a little help, apply at www.grantcountysd.com.

10/22/2026

The need is real. Families are searching, waiting, and often coming up short. Vote YES on Nov. 3 to support expanded child care options.

10/22/2026

A shortage of childcare doesn't just impact families. It impacts businesses, retirement plans, and our community's future. Help create more childcare opportunities in our area. Vote Yes on Nov. 3.

10/21/2026

Child care providers are small business owners. They handle licensing, safety rules, budgets and families, usually on very thin margins.
Bright Futures offers more than grants. Providers can also get free help with:
• Business and expansion planning
• Licensing, registration and safety planning
• Checking whether a project pencils out financially
• Tools, checklists and templates
You don't have to apply for a grant to get this help. Contact GCDC to get started. www.grantcountysd.com

10/19/2026

The most important rule for Bright Futures: get approved before you spend. Costs paid before written pre-approval can't be reimbursed.
Here's how it works:
1. Apply online at www.grantcountysd.com or on paper.
2. GCDC staff checks your application and can connect you with free business help if needed.
3. The Bright Futures Review Committee reviews it and makes a recommendation.
4. Once your award is approved, you get a written pre-approval letter with your project, budget and timeline.
5. Do the work and send in your receipts and proof of completion.
6. GCDC reimburses you.
Questions? Reach out to GCDC before you start. We're happy to help.

10/16/2026

In South Dakota, 81.6% of moms with kids under 6 are in the workforce. And 75% of young kids live in homes where every parent works. (Source: Child Care Gaps in 2025, South Dakota)
Infant and toddler care is the hardest to find. It takes more staff per child, so fewer providers offer it.
That's why Bright Futures gives priority to projects that add infant and toddler spots. If you could take more little ones with the right equipment or space, we want to hear from you. www.grantcountysd.com

10/15/2026

Thinking about starting a daycare in Grant County? Here’s a free place to start.

The Rural CO.STARTERS Online Bootcamp is a free, fully virtual program for aspiring entrepreneurs in rural South Dakota. It’s a great fit for anyone who has thought about opening an in-home daycare or childcare business.

In five sessions, you’ll work with experienced facilitators and other new business owners to:
✅ Shape your business idea
✅ Understand your customers (the families you’ll serve)
✅ Build a business model that works
✅ Get ready to launch

📅 Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Friday, Nov. 20
🕦 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. CST
💻 100% online
💲 Free (registration required)

👉 Register here: https://www.northernstartupcenter.com/upcoming-events/rural-costarters-nov2026

Then take the next step with Bright Futures. Once you’re ready to open, the Bright Futures Fund offers grants of up to $5,000 to help Grant County childcare providers with startup costs. Questions? Send us a message.

The bootcamp is hosted by Brookings Regional Growth Alliance, Dakota Resources, Dakota Wesleyan University, Glacial Lakes Area Development, Northern Innovation and Startup Center, Southern Hills Economic Development, Sturgis Economic Development Corp., Lake Francis Case Development Corp., and Startup Sioux Falls. Bright Futures is funded in part by the South Dakota Community Foundation.