Orlando Standard

As the landscape of early childhood education continues to evolve, it has become increasingly clear that the success of our communities and economy is deeply intertwined with the success of our youngest learners. The Business Leadership Institute for Early Learning (BLI), founded in 2013, stands at the forefront of this mission. Our work provides critical support to the small childcare businesses that serve as the backbone of our workforce.

Since its inception, BLI has been committed to strengthening the management and financial sustainability of small, center-based, and home-based early learning programs.  These are not just businesses; they are lifelines for working families who rely on affordable, high-quality early education and care.

These early learning programs are entrepreneurial ventures that create jobs, support working families, and stimulate economic growth within our communities. By equipping childcare providers with essential business skills, we ensure these businesses remain financially sustainable, reinforcing the financial foundation of neighborhoods and ensuring that quality early education and care is accessible to all families.

Without adequate childcare, parents could miss work, get fired, or decide to leave the workforce entirely. These options strain family dynamics and stunt the community's economic growth. According to a study from February 2023, the US economy is losing an estimated $122 billion a year because of inadequate childcare options. The report also found that limited access to childcare costs individual parents more than $5,500 annually. Businesses lose $1,640 on average for each working parent due to lost revenue, totaling $23 billion annually.

This is why we offer two signature professional development programs—the Master Class Workshop Series and the Accreditation Academy. These programs are not just about learning. They are about transformation. They equip childcare providers with the programmatic, management, and financial tools to navigate an ever-changing economic landscape. Participants leave the programs with enhanced knowledge, a renewed sense of purpose and the confidence to adapt and grow. 

The results speak for themselves. BLI participants have consistently leveraged their newfound skills to become financially sustainable. By supporting these providers, BLI plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of early education across Florida. High-quality early education has a ripple effect, laying the foundation for a robust and educated workforce that will drive our economy forward for future generations. 

 

In this work, we had a steadfast partner in Wells Fargo. Their support has been more than just financial- it's been a catalyst for our success. Over the years, Wells Fargo has provided more than $950,000 in philanthropic support to BLI, along with invaluable business curriculum development in areas such as Financial Management—Budget & Cash Flow. Additionally, their employee volunteers have generously shared their expertise by teaching Financial Management and Business Development workshops, directly impacting our childcare providers. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and the role they've played in our journey. 

We have cohorts across the state and have felt support through the federal and local levels. Mayor Francis Suarez has supported Miami's small business ecosystem. In 2021, the City of Miami launched eSTART, a guide for small business owners to streamline the often confusing and tedious process of obtaining permits. At the federal level, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL25) has supported and attended BLI events, championing our mission. 

Constant collaboration and partnership have allowed BLI to thrive. We have created a model that can be replicated nationwide, proving the importance of investing in early childhood education and the small businesses that make it possible. As we look to the future, our focus remains clear: we must continue to support the childcare providers who nurture our children so they can continue to provide the quality education and care that every child deserves. 

Robyn Perlman, Chief Future Officer, The Business Leadership Institute for Early Learning