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On December 9, NYCHA celebrated the graduation of the most recent cohort of 16 participants from the (CBP) program, bringing the total number of ������Ƶ and Section 8 voucher holders who have completed the program since 2016 to 137. Designed to help individuals start and grow successful home-based childcare businesses, the program has been a vital resource for aspiring childcare entrepreneurs. 

Like many CBP participants, including Nikki Purcell, a Section 8 resident from the Bronx, the program represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Ms. Purcell has always aspired to open a daycare, especially given her personal experiences as a mother of four children, three of whom are on the autism spectrum. Her children are all adults now, but when they were younger, she “struggled to find reliable care providers who understood how to care for children with developmental disabilities. This program has equipped me with the knowledge and credentials to build the kind of daycare that can truly make a difference.”  

CBP is a collaborative effort between NYCHA’s Department of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES), the Business Outreach Center (BOC Net), and the JPMorganChase Foundation, through the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF). Participants receive 15 weeks of extensive training in both childcare and business management, to equip them to operate licensed, home-based childcare centers that provide much-needed services to local families. 

The program provides a comprehensive curriculum, which includes childcare training, business coaching, certification support, and assistance with the New York State childcare license application. Graduates also receive technical assistance for home inspections required by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to ensure their businesses meet City standards. 

Ms. Purcell is in the process of finalizing her business application and getting her license for her daycare, Tiny Tykes. She said the program taught her the fundamentals of opening a childcare business but also the importance of business management, such as compliance with regulations and maintaining accurate records. “There are so many rules and regulations to keep your daycare open and thriving, and now I feel equipped to meet them all,” she said. 

“This program is an invaluable tool in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit and career goals of ������Ƶ,” NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said. “It instills the core principles of owning and operating a profitable business while providing essential childcare services that enrich surrounding communities.” 

NYCHA’s Executive Vice President for Resident Services, Partnerships, and Initiatives, Ukah Busgith, emphasized the transformative potential of the program: “By tapping into the talent, passion, and drive of our residents, the Business Pathways programs provide residents with the skills needed to succeed as business owners.” 

CBP also fosters a strong sense of community among its participants. Ms. Purcell spoke fondly of her fellow cohort members, highlighting how they bonded during the classes. “It was fun, and the sessions felt intimate and supportive,” she said. “There were no wrong answers or stupid questions, and we learned a lot from each other. Some of us are in a group chat where we support each other in the process of getting our businesses set up.” 

The program’s graduates now have the chance to not only achieve their entrepreneurial goals but also contribute to their communities by providing safe, reliable childcare services. To date, 49 graduates have become licensed childcare providers, and 27 have already established registered businesses. 

Ms. Purcell’s Tiny Tykes is on track to be one of the next registered businesses. In her speech at the graduation ceremony, she told the audience: “This experience only fueled my desire to create a space where all children, regardless of their needs, could thrive and feel safe. That’s why this cohort and this business endeavor means so much to me. It’s not just about starting a daycare — it’s about creating a space that embraces every child and provides them with the care and attention they deserve. Today is a culmination of years of perseverance and growth, and I am proud to have finally taken this step. I truly believe this is just the beginning.” 

CBP will launch its ninth cohort in spring 2025 to support NYCHA public housing and Section 8 residents in creating sustainable, impactful businesses that meet community needs. To learn more about CBP, visit . You can also subscribe to the REES newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming CBP information sessions, or call the REES hotline at 718-289-8100.