FOR
BUSINESSES

Buncombe County’s youngest children are the community’s most treasured resource—and among its most vulnerable populations. Local businesses are becoming critical allies by making financial commitments, adopting family-friendly practices, sharing networks, and more.

• There are 14,000 children under age 5 in Buncombe County. 46% live in low-income households. 70% are not enrolled in licensed child care.
• Year-round, full-day child care costs $9,000 per child, and families can be on the waitlist for 12 months or longer.
• Parents cite a lack of affordable child care as one of the top barriers to relocation to Asheville, predictable attendance at work, and to remaining in the labor force while children are young.

Support for each child and their family during the first 2,000 days—the time between birth and kindergarten—is key to changing this landscape.

Part of our mission is to empower the community to increase family-friendliness. Achieving that goal will mean recruiting and retaining a strong workforce in a competitive, vibrant community that attracts top talent and consumers.

Contact Carol Ann Willhite, Fund Development Director, to learn how your business can add to the momentum. Email carolann@buncombepfc.org or call 828.484.2363.