2026 What’s Ahead For Child Care Mergers and Acquisitions

Happy 2026! Following what is now a multi-year tradition, I review the predictions for the previous year on child care mergers and acquisitions and look ahead at what is to come over the next year. What I said in 2025 with comments: What I said: “As President Trump takes office for the second time, there…

Capitalization Rates and Child Care Real Estate Value

The value of child care buildings and land (commercial real estate) often involves considering many things, including capitalization rates, often referred to simply as cap rates. In short, a cap rate reflects the risk associated with the property investment. It is also a projection/estimate of the rate of return the investment will provide. In commercial…

2025 SBA Loan Program Changes and the Impact on Child Care Businesses

Most independently owned child care businesses either got started with an SBA (Small Business Administration) backed (meaning backed by the US government) loan – a 7(a) loan or 504 loan, or have used an SBA loan to remodel, expand, or build a new child care center. For several reasons, including the lower down payment and…

The Importance of Knowing the Value of Your Child Care Business

Having worked as a child care business mergers and acquisitions advisor since 1995, I know that when a child care owner contacts me, they are often interested in selling their child care business. One of the primary things they would like to know is its value. Knowing the value is key when considering the sale…

Strategies for a Smooth Transition: Exit and Succession Planning for Child Care Business Owners

Introduction Planning your exit from your childcare business is a critical phase in your lifecycle as an entrepreneur. A well-thought-out exit strategy ensures the business’s continuity and maximizes the value derived from years of hard work. Exit planning involves preparing for the eventual ownership transition, which requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Understanding Exit Planning…