Florida’s child care sector plays a critical role in the state’s economy, allowing working parents to remain in the workforce while ensuring young children receive essential early learning opportunities. Yet for many child care providers, operating a sustainable, high-quality center poses significant challenges. From tight margins and staffing issues to the complexities of regulatory compliance and facility management, many providers need help navigating business sustainability.
Market research underscores the growing importance and scale of the child care industry. According to IBISWorld, there are more than 34,000 child care establishments in Florida, with $4.6 billion in annual revenue - an industry projected to grow due to rising demand from dual-income households. In Florida, these small business child care providers support more than 86,000 employees.
Strategic Support from the SBA and State of Florida
Recognizing both the economic and societal importance of the child care industry, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named child care a strategic priority, committing to expand support through funding access, technical assistance, and initiatives that strengthen providers.
At the state level, Florida recently introduced a Child Care Tax Credit for employers. This credit incentivizes businesses to invest in child care solutions for their employees, including direct support of child care facilities. Employers who provide or sponsor child care services can receive significant annual tax credits, which is a powerful mechanism to encourage public-private collaboration. (Read more in the Employer Guide to Child Care Tax Credit.)
Florida SBDC: Empowering Providers at the Local Level
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network offers no-cost, confidential consulting and access to valuable tools and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners across all industries—including child care.
In Northwest Florida, the Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida (UWF) has spearheaded an initiative tailored to the child care sector. Recognizing the unique business needs of providers, the SBDC at UWF launched a program that combines business training, individualized consulting, and strategic planning support specifically for child care operators.
The program initially began as a partnership with the Business Leadership Institute for Early Learning (BLI). Through this collaboration, child care centers that serve active-duty military families received targeted assistance designed to strengthen both business operations and educational quality. Providers benefitted from business and accreditation coaching, helping them pursue national accreditation and raise standards while ensuring long-term financial stability. This initiative now continues in partnership with local Early Learning Coalitions, as well as the financial support of key banking community partners.
Training opportunities that support entrepreneurs, as well as specific opportunities around launching child care businesses, are regularly offered by our team of consultants and partners. By helping local providers grow stronger, the Florida SBDC Network not only supports entrepreneurs, but also contributes to the continued economic potential of an economy with a vibrant child care industry.
Written by:
Amy Newburn
Research & Data Analyst Director
Florida SBDC Network State Office
