Spartanburg County organizations partner to create new childcare seats through facility investments
April 8, 2025
An innovative pilot initiative led by OneSpartanburg, Inc., Power Up Spartanburg, the Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg County First Steps, and Quality Counts plans to expand the amount of childcare available in Spartanburg County through facility investments.
The effort, known as Project 100: Quality Childcare for Spartanburg’s Growing Future (or Project 100 for short), will invest in locally-owned childcare centers that are actively participating in Power Up Spartanburg – the county’s small and minority business development initiative – to achieve the goal of adding 100 new childcare seats countywide in pursuit of three primary objectives:
- To reduce barriers to workforce participation, and foster workforce readiness, by addressing childcare challenges for parents and guardians
- To enhance early-childhood education by expanding access to high-quality learning environments
- To strengthen local economies by supporting small businesses in the childcare sector
“One of the greatest barriers to workforce participation is childcare. High-quality seats are limited and often taken as soon as they become available. This pilot initiative will enable parents to work and be assured that their child is in a safe and developmental environment,” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith.” The data couldn’t be clearer. Investments in early childhood set the set stage for sustained academic success – this fact is yet another positive by-product of this collaborative initiative.”
The initiative outlines that Power Up Spartanburg will commit $75,000 to capital improvement investments at participating childcare facilities, complemented by $25,000 in funding from the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan 2.0. The Mary Black Foundation will expand upon this work with a $100,000 investment.
Participating childcare facilities, in addition to remaining actively engaged in Power Up Spartanburg, will have to join Spartanburg’s Quality Counts program to receive funding for capital improvements.
“With a little capital support, small businesses can drive big impact. In tandem with our partners, the affected small businesses will be in a much better position to scale and sustain their businesses. That’s what Power Up is all about,” said Jay Jenkins, OneSpartanburg, Inc. Director of Small and Minority Business Development.
Proposals for capital improvement projects are being accepted through April 23, with a series of visits, verifications, and reviews scheduled before childcare facilities are notified of their improvement plans being funded, which should come in mid-to-late May.
“If minor infrastructure improvements are what’s standing in the way of a local childcare facility creating more available seats, we want to invest the capital needed for that expansion, with the caveat that you commit to Quality Counts as you add those seats,” OneSpartanburg, Inc. Chief Talent Officer Ron Garner.
“Research shows that the quality of early life experiences greatly impacts long-term health and well-being. As we think about the need for childcare in our community, the Mary Black Foundation is proud to partner with OneSpartanburg, Inc. to co-fund an innovative pilot project that will ensure that more children in Spartanburg County have access to quality early care and education programs,” said Mary Black Foundation President and CEO Molly Talbot-Metz. “This project aligns with our focus on supporting children and families during the critical early years, helping to build a healthier, stronger community for generations to come.”
Statistics used to build the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan 2.0 show a lack of childcare is a barrier to those who aren’t currently working but would like to reenter the workforce.
“If we want to get small business right in Spartanburg County, we must address the issue that inadequate childcare is holding us back,” said Spartanburg County Councilwoman Jessica Coker. “As a mother of three, with a fourth on the way, I know the barrier childcare can present to working parents. Parents should have the choice to work or stay home based on their goals and priorities, not be forced into a decision based on a lack of options.”
About OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Our mission is to build a vibrant Spartanburg through business, economic, talent, and tourism development. Whether you’re looking for business resources, economic expertise, community leadership or tourism information, OneSpartanburg, Inc. is where you’ll find it.
About Power Up Spartanburg
An initiative of Spartanburg County and OneSpartanburg, Inc., Power Up Spartanburg is the county’s small and minority business development initiative aiming to make Spartanburg the #1 place in the U.S. to start and grow a small business.
About The Mary Black Foundation
The Mary Black Foundation is a private foundation with a mission to increase opportunities for health and well-being through strategic investments in the people and communities of Spartanburg County. Founded in 1996, the Foundation has invested over $71 million into the community.
About Spartanburg County First Steps
Spartanburg County First Steps works with local businesses, nonprofits, churches, and schools to help all children enter school ready to thrive. This means we support events throughout the year in support of school readiness and the importance of a quality early childhood.
About Spartanburg County Quality Counts
Quality Counts creates high-quality learning environments and promotes best practices for teachers that help prepare our youngest students for success in school and life. By providing targeted professional development, mentorship and coaching, and nationally recognized assessments, it lays the foundation for continuous improvement.
