Your Childcare Business Has a Big Vision.
Now It Is Time to Fund It.
The application for this grant is close.
Please join the waitlist for this grant.
The Childcare Millionaires Association is awarding $20,000 in cash and business-building prizes to help licensed childcare owners strengthen, improve, and expand their businesses.
If you own a licensed childcare center or family childcare home and have a powerful idea that could improve your program, increase your impact, or position your business for sustainable growth, we want to hear it.
If you own a licensed childcare center or family childcare home and have a powerful idea that could improve your program, increase your impact, or position your business for sustainable growth, we want to hear it.
This is more than a pitch competition.
This is more than a pitch competition.
It is an opportunity to receive funding, professional support, national visibility, and access to a community that understands what it takes to build a profitable, high-quality childcare business.
It is an opportunity to receive funding, professional support, national visibility, and access to a community that understands what it takes to build a profitable, high-quality childcare business.
The Childcare Millionaires Association is awarding $20,000 in cash and business-building prizes to help licensed childcare owners strengthen, improve, and expand their businesses.
If you own a licensed childcare center or family childcare home and have a powerful idea that could improve your program, increase your impact, or position your business for sustainable growth, we want to hear it.
If you own a licensed childcare center or family childcare home and have a powerful idea that could improve your program, increase your impact, or position your business for sustainable growth, we want to hear it.
This is more than a pitch competition.
This is more than a pitch competition.
It is an opportunity to receive funding, professional support, national visibility, and access to a community that understands what it takes to build a profitable, high-quality childcare business.
It is an opportunity to receive funding, professional support, national visibility, and access to a community that understands what it takes to build a profitable, high-quality childcare business.
The Build Big Pitch Competition will award a combined total of
$20,000
IN CASH & PRIzES
FIRST PLACE
$10,000
$5,000 in Cash
$5,000 in Cash
+ $5,000 in Prizes
+ $5,000 in Prizes
SECOND PLACE
$6,000
$2,000 in Cash
$2,000 in Cash
+ $4,000 in Prizes
+ $4,000 in Prizes
THIRD PLACE
$4,000
$1000 in Cash
$1000 in Cash
+ $3,000 in Prizes
+ $3,000 in Prizes
Prizes Include: Resources, products, and services from Childcare Millionaires Association and our sponsors.
WHAT COULD YOU BUILD
WITH THE RIGHT SUPPORT?
What would become possible if you had additional funding and strategic support for your childcare business?
Classroom Improvements
Technology & Equipment
Curriculum Enhancements
Safety & Security
Expansion Projects
Staff Development
Marketing Systems
Parent Communication
New
Programs
Business Systems
We are looking for owners with clear ideas, meaningful goals, and a commitment to creating lasting results.
Your business does not have to be the biggest.
Your presentation does not have to be perfect.
You need a STRONG IDEA, a CLEAR PLAN and the WILLINGNESS to show us how this opportunity could help you build bigger.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The Build Big Pitch Competition is open to:
Current owners of licensed childcare centers
Current owners of licensed family childcare homes
Owners who are actively operating their childcare businesses
Owners who can clearly explain how the funding and prizes will be used
Owners who are available to participate in the virtual semifinal round
Owners who can attend Childcare Millionaires Live 2026 in Houston if selected as a live finalist
Owners who can attend Childcare Millionaires Live 2026 in Houston if
selected as a live finalist
HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS
Round One: Application and Video Submission
Applicants will complete a brief online application with fewer than 10 questions.
You will also submit a two to four-minute video explaining:
- Who you are and what type of childcare program you operate
- The children, families, and community you serve
- The challenge or opportunity you want to address
- Your Build Big idea
- How you would use the funding and prizes
- What measurable difference this opportunity would make
Videos must be less than 5 minutes. Videos longer than 5 minutes may be disqualified.
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility, clarity, potential impact, responsible use of funds, and overall alignment with the Build Big mission.
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility, clarity, potential impact, responsible use of funds, and overall alignment with the Build Big mission.
Round Two: Top 10 Virtual Semifinals
Ten childcare owners/directors will be selected to advance to the virtual semifinal round.
Top 10 semifinalists will:
- Provide a copy of their current childcare license
- Participate in finalist orientation and pitch preparation
- Present their business idea virtually before the judging panel
- Answer questions about their business, proposed project, and use of funds
The virtual semifinal competition will take place on October 10, 2026.
Following the virtual presentations, the judges will select three owners to advance directly to the live finals.
Following the virtual presentations, the judges will select three owners to advance directly to the live finals.
Round Three: People’s Choice Competition
The seven semifinalists who are not selected by the judges will receive another opportunity to advance.
From October 13 - October 19, 2026, the seven eligible semifinalists will participate in the Build Big People’s Choice campaign.
The public will vote to select one additional finalist.
The People’s Choice winner will be announced on October 20, 2026, and will join the three other judge-selected finalists in Houston.
The public will vote to select one additional finalist.
The People’s Choice winner will be announced on October 20, 2026, and will join the three other judge-selected finalists in Houston.
Round Four: CMA 2026 Live Finals in Houston
Four finalists will pitch live at Childcare Millionaires Live 2026: BUILD BIG, taking place November 12 through November 15, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
The finalists will present their ideas before the live audience and judging panel.
At the conclusion of the competition, the first, second, and third-place winners will be announced.
The finalists will present their ideas before the live audience and judging panel.
At the conclusion of the competition, the first, second, and third-place winners will be announced.
*Finalists must be available to attend the CMA Live Conference in Houston, Texas, November 13–15, 2026 Each finalist will receive two complimentary VIP passes. Travel, lodging, meals outside of those specifically included with conference passes are not included and are the responsibility of the finalist.
IMPORTANT DATES
( Click on the dates for more information. )
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*Application Opens on September 15th ; Application Closes on September 30th
WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR?
You do not need to be a professional speaker to deliver a strong pitch.Judges will evaluate each applicant based on the strength of the idea and the owner’s ability to clearly communicate the plan.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the Build Big Pitch Competition?
The Build Big Pitch Competition is a business pitch competition for current licensed childcare center and family childcare home owners. Selected owners will compete for a combined total of $20,000 in cash and business-building prizes.
The Build Big Pitch Competition is a business pitch competition for current licensed childcare center and family childcare home owners. Selected owners will compete for a combined total of $20,000 in cash and business-building prizes.
2. How much money can participants win?
The confirmed cash awards are:
• First Place: $5,000
• Second Place: $2,000
• Third Place: $1,000
Additional services, resources, and sponsor-supported prizes will bring the total competition value to $20,000.
The confirmed cash awards are:
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must currently own and operate a licensed childcare center or licensed family childcare home.
Applicants must currently own and operate a licensed childcare center or licensed family childcare home.
4. Can someone who is planning to open a childcare business apply?
No. This competition is specifically for current licensed and operating childcare owners.
No. This competition is specifically for current licensed and operating childcare owners.
5. Do I have to submit proof of my childcare license?
Applicants selected for the Top 10 will be required to submit a copy of their current childcare license before participating in the virtual semifinal round.
Failure to provide a valid license may result in disqualification.
Applicants selected for the Top 10 will be required to submit a copy of their current childcare license before participating in the virtual semifinal round.
6. Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee unless otherwise stated in the official competition rules.
There is no application fee unless otherwise stated in the official competition rules.
7. What should I discuss in my application video?
Introduce yourself and your childcare business, explain the challenge or opportunity you want to address, describe your Build Big idea, and tell us how the funding and prizes would help you create measurable results.
Introduce yourself and your childcare business, explain the challenge or opportunity you want to address, describe your Build Big idea, and tell us how the funding and prizes would help you create measurable results.
8. Does my video need to be professionally produced?
No. A professionally produced video is not required.
You may record your video using a smartphone, webcam, or camera. Make sure your audio is clear, your face is visible, and your idea is easy to understand.
No. A professionally produced video is not required.
9. How long should the video be?
The recommended length is three to five minutes. All videos must be less than 5 minutes.
The recommended length is three to five minutes. All videos must be less than 5 minutes.
10. How will the Top 10 be selected?
Eligible applications will be reviewed and scored based on criteria such as clarity, business need, impact, sustainability, responsible use of funds, readiness to execute, and overall presentation.
Eligible applications will be reviewed and scored based on criteria such as clarity, business need, impact, sustainability, responsible use of funds, readiness to execute, and overall presentation.
11. When will the Top 10 pitch?
The Top 10 will pitch virtually on October 10, 2026.
The Top 10 will pitch virtually on October 10, 2026.
12. How many owners will pitch in Houston?
Four owners will advance to the live competition.
Three will be selected by the judges following the virtual semifinals. One additional owner will advance through the People’s Choice vote.
Four owners will advance to the live competition.
13. How does the People’s Choice competition work?
The seven Top 10 semifinalists who are not selected by the judges will participate in a public voting campaign from October 13-19, 2026.
The person who receives the highest number of verified eligible votes will advance to the live finals.
Official voting rules and promotional guidelines will be provided to participating semifinalists.
The seven Top 10 semifinalists who are not selected by the judges will participate in a public voting campaign from October 13-19, 2026.
14. Do finalists have to attend the conference in person?
The seven Top 10 semifinalists who are not selected by the judges will participate in a public voting campaign from October 13-19, 2026.
The person who receives the highest number of verified eligible votes will advance to the live finals.
Official voting rules and promotional guidelines will be provided to participating semifinalists.
The seven Top 10 semifinalists who are not selected by the judges will participate in a public voting campaign from October 13-19, 2026.
15. Are travel and hotel expenses included?
Travel, lodging, conference admission, and other expenses are not included.
Travel, lodging, conference admission, and other expenses are not included.
16. What happens if a finalist cannot attend the live competition?
If a selected finalist cannot attend or complete the competition requirements, Childcare Millionaires Association may select an alternate finalist.
If a selected finalist cannot attend or complete the competition requirements, Childcare Millionaires Association may select an alternate finalist.
17. Can I apply if I have more than one childcare location?
Yes. Owners of single-site and multi-site licensed childcare businesses may apply. Your application should clearly identify the business or project that would benefit from the award.
Yes. Owners of single-site and multi-site licensed childcare businesses may apply. Your application should clearly identify the business or project that would benefit from the award.
18. Can two business partners apply together?
Business partners may submit one application for the same licensed childcare business. One person should be identified as the primary applicant and official co
Business partners may submit one application for the same licensed childcare business. One person should be identified as the primary applicant and official co
19. Can I submit more than one application?
Only one application per childcare business will be considered.
Only one application per childcare business will be considered.
20. How may the cash prize be used?
The proposed use of funds must be connected to the growth, improvement, sustainability, quality, or impact of the applicant’s childcare business.
Award funds may be subject to a funding agreement, documentation requirements, restrictions, reporting requirements, or disbursement schedule.
The proposed use of funds must be connected to the growth, improvement, sustainability, quality, or impact of the applicant’s childcare business.
21. Will winners have to report how the money was used?
Winners may be required to provide a spending plan, receipts, progress updates, photographs, testimonials, or other reasonable documentation showing how the award supported the approved project.
Winners may be required to provide a spending plan, receipts, progress updates, photographs, testimonials, or other reasonable documentation showing how the award supported the approved project.
22. Are prizes taxable?
Cash awards and prizes may be considered taxable income. Winners are responsible for consulting a qualified tax professional and meeting any applicable reporting or tax obligations.
Cash awards and prizes may be considered taxable income. Winners are responsible for consulting a qualified tax professional and meeting any applicable reporting or tax obligations.
23. When will winners receive their prizes?
The prize distribution schedule and requirements will be provided in the official finalist or winner agreement.
The prize distribution schedule and requirements will be provided in the official finalist or winner agreement.
24. Will my application information remain private?
Application information will be reviewed by authorized competition representatives, judges, and partners as necessary to administer the competition.
Applicants should not include confidential formulas, protected intellectual property, private family information, or sensitive financial information they do not want reviewed.
Application information will be reviewed by authorized competition representatives, judges, and partners as necessary to administer the competition.
25. Will finalists be photographed or recorded?
The virtual semifinals, People’s Choice campaign, and live competition will be photographed, recorded, streamed, or shared through Childcare Millionaires Association marketing channels.
Finalists may be required to sign a media release and competition participation agreement.
The virtual semifinals, People’s Choice campaign, and live competition will be photographed, recorded, streamed, or shared through Childcare Millionaires Association marketing channels.
26. How will I know if I am selected?
Selected applicants will be contacted using the email address and telephone number included in their application. Applicants are responsible for monitoring their email, including spam and promotions folders.
Selected applicants will be contacted using the email address and telephone number included in their application. Applicants are responsible for monitoring their email, including spam and promotions folders.
27. What if I have additional questions?
Please contact the Build Big Pitch Competition team at membership@childcaremillionaires.com
Please contact the Build Big Pitch Competition team at membership@childcaremillionaires.com
MEET
Brandy Woods-Smith
Childcare Business Leader, Educator, Strategist, and Founder of Childcare Millionaires Association
Brandy Woods-Smith is committed to helping childcare owners move beyond daily survival and become confident, strategic business leaders.
Through Childcare Millionaires Association, Brandy equips owners with the knowledge, systems, community, and support they need to operate profitable childcare businesses without sacrificing quality, purpose, or personal well-being.
She understands that many childcare owners entered the industry because they love children and want to serve families. However, passion alone cannot solve staffing challenges, improve cash flow, increase enrollment, strengthen systems, or prepare a business for sustainable growth.
Owners need strategy. They need resources. They need relationships.
They need opportunities to be seen, supported, and funded.
The Build Big Pitch Competition was created to identify serious childcare entrepreneurs with meaningful ideas and give them an opportunity to turn those ideas into measurable results.
Brandy’s message to childcare owners is clear:
You are not just running a daycare. You are building a business, developing a team, serving a community, and creating a legacy. It is time to Build Big.
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