Leonard Family Childcare receives honor

Northern Minnesota is currently facing a shortfall of more than 2,000 child care slots to accommodate the children of working parents. Julie Fredrickson, owner and operator of the Leonard Family Childcare business was not concerned about the apparent obstacles to opening a Childcare business. She developed the business plan needed to apply for a business loan in order to launch her dream. She knew that obtaining funding for a new building in a small town might be difficult. However, Julie was determined to meet what she knew was a pressing community need and stayed on course.

Julie went over the final projections with her Northwest SBDC, Small Business Development Center, business consultant, Grant Oppegaard, and her father Richie Langseth. Her father surprised both by saying, “I like it, consider me your banker, build it.” The result is the new building in town, with new outside play-ground equipment, and the sound of happy children year around. “Julie’s determination, her father’s wide investment made the project a success. I enjoyed working with them and seeing a business launched the old-fashioned way!” said Grant Oppegaard SBDC Business Consultant.

Julie Fredrickson received the honor of Northwest Small Business Development Center, (NWSBDC) “Client Business of the Year” for 2017. The Northwest Regional Small Business development Center, Bemidji, serving 12 counties and over 300 regional businesses is proud to recognize Julie for her accomplishment.

On average, Leonard Family Childcare provides care for 7 children a day and has the capacity for 12 children when needed. Julie is the reason that Leonard, Minnesota is ahead of many other communities in northern Minnesota that are currently struggling to find day care for their working parents.