A caregiver sits on the floor with five toddlers drawing with crayons in a bright, toy-filled playroom.

Where Capital Brings Child Care Dreams to Life.

Who We Are

First Children's Finance Loan Fund is the only CDFI in the nation that specializes in lending to child care businesses. We meet providers where they are with innovative, sustainable, and flexible loans and comprehensive business support for both family (home) and center-based child care businesses. For investors, it's an opportunity to put capital to work in ways that directly support families, workforce participation, and community stability.

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The Financing Challenge for Child Care

Everyday child care business owners face: 

  • Slim profit margins 
  • Specialized staffing requirements 
  • A struggle to build financial stability and contribute to their local economy 

When Capital Meets Child Care

30 Years of Impact

  • Over $20 million in loans funded 
  • Over 26,000 child care slots created or retained 
  • Over 4,000 child care jobs created or retained 
  • Over 800 loans

Get Started

Whether you are a business needing funding or are an investor or supporter looking to get involved, First Children's Finance can guide your next steps.

Loan Fund For Businesses

If you’re a child care business owner in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Oregon, or Vermont seeking funding and coaching, inquire about a loan today!

Investors and Funders

Quality child care is an investment in our future. It fosters early learning and builds stronger children, communities and economies. Explore ways to invest in child care.

Meet the Loan Fund Team

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Ericka Warmack

Director of National Lending

Ericka Warmack serves as Director of National Lending at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0083
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Amanda Brewington

Loan Fund Manager

Amanda Brewington serves as Loan Fund Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6507
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Joan Berntson

Senior Business Development Specialist

Joan Berntson serves as Senior Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6539