USDA Rural Development partnered with Roughrider Electric Cooperative to provide KinderKidz Learning Center a $300,000 loan to expand their child care facility in Dickinson.
“There is a child care shortage across the state, but it is particularly evident in western North Dakota, which is experiencing a great population influx,” said Jasper Schneider, USDA Rural Development state director. “Addressing the lack of daycare in Dickinson, USDA is proud to have helped KinderKidz expand and support their efforts in providing high-quality care.”
The growth in jobs and population, largely due to oil development, has created a need for more child care services. At any given time, KinderKidz had an average of 50 children on their waiting list. To address the demand, the child care center extended their existing 12,000 square foot facility by an additional 4,000 square feet. With the project finished, KinderKidz now can accommodate 45 more children, raising their capacity to 143. As a result of the expansion, the center plans to hire ten additional full-time employees.
Through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) program, Roughrider Electric received a $300,000 loan to help KinderKidz renovate their business. The REDL program provides zero-interest loans to local utility companies which they, in turn, re-lend to local businesses to spur economic development. For more information on USDA programs, please call (701) 530-2037 or visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nd.