Starting in Fiscal Year 26 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) the BIP program will be funded through the Department of Health & Human Services – Child Care Resource & Referral.

The Business Investment Program (BIP) supports continuous quality improvement activities in child care businesses. Child Care Businesses apply for grant funding to invest in their programs. Once awarded a grant, the money can be used to start a new child care, expand an existing child care, meet minimum health and safety needs, and participate in continuous quality improvements as defined by Iowa’s Quality Rating System ~ Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K).

Start-up and expansion is to help cover costs examples: pre-design development; meeting fire/DHS/building codes; and updates to dedicated child care spaces.

Business Educational, Health & Safety Improvements examples: computers, internet access, accounting/attendance software, cribs and fencing.

IQ4K programs making a positive difference in supporting child care businesses by completing quality activities outlined in IQ4K. Child care businesses will be reimbursed for completing approved activities with the IQ4K categories.

Target audience: New start-up child care businesses; Child Care Homes (non-registered); Child Development Homes (registered); and Licensed Child Care Centers.

Contact Child Care Resource & Referral Region 1 for more information.

https://iowaccrr.org/staff/region_1/