BEMIDJI — Child care providers in northwestern Minnesota who have been in business for more than two years can apply for a forgivable loan to fund facility improvements through Sunday, Sept. 14.
The loans are part of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation's Retain program, which is an expansion of its Child Care Finance Program. Funds come from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Child Care Economic Development program.
Providers in Red Lake Nation, White Earth Nation or Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties can apply.
Loans up to $10,000 are available for family child care providers and up to $20,000 for child care centers. The loans are forgivable after five years, but businesses that close before the end of the loan term will have to repay the funds.
The nonprofit expects more providers to apply than there are funds available.
Applicants will be scored for program alignment and impact. Those selected will be notified by the end of October, and others will be placed on a waiting list in case of additional resources.
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