Breaking Barriers: Charlotte County Hosts Childcare Tax Credit Webinar to Empower Businesses and Providers


April 25th, 2025

Charlotte County Economic Development took an important step forward in addressing one of the community’s most pressing workforce issues: childcare. In a special webinar, local businesses, childcare providers, and workforce advocates gathered to learn how Florida’s Childcare Tax Credit can serve as a catalyst for growth—not just for families, but for the economy itself.

The Mission: Laying the Foundation

The webinar began with a warm welcome and a reminder of why childcare access is not just a family issue—it’s a business and economic development priority. Organizers emphasized that finding solutions requires collaboration across businesses, community partners, parents, and providers alike.

Special guest speaker Makayla Buchanan, Director of Early Learning and Literacy at the Florida Chamber Foundation, was introduced to help set the tone. The session’s goals were clear:

  • Ensure businesses understand the financial incentives available to support childcare for employees.
  • Empower childcare providers with strategies to leverage the childcare credit through partnerships and creative initiatives.

Charlotte County’s Childcare Landscape: Facing the Reality

Participants received a snapshot of Charlotte County’s current childcare landscape, based on findings from a recent community survey. The results painted a challenging picture—Charlotte County is designated a “childcare desert,” where available childcare slots do not meet the growing demand.

This shortage has broad implications. Without accessible childcare, workforce participation shrinks, businesses struggle to recruit and retain talent, and overall economic growth stalls. Addressing this gap is essential for the future of Charlotte County’s business community.

The Opportunity: Florida’s Childcare Tax Credit Explained

Featured speaker Makayla Buchanan delivered a detailed overview of Florida’s Childcare Tax Credit, walking participants through its advantages and implementation strategies.

Key highlights included:

  • Eligibility requirements for businesses seeking to claim the credit.
  • Flexible options for how businesses can support childcare—from direct subsidies to collaborative partnerships with providers.
  • Real-world examples showcasing businesses across Florida successfully using the credit to strengthen their workforce.

Buchanan emphasized that businesses of all sizes have an opportunity to make a difference, even through small, incremental efforts.

Interactive Q&A: Big Ideas, Honest Conversations

An engaging Q&A session followed the presentation, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas. Discussions covered:

  • Ways small businesses can participate even with limited budgets
  • Creative models for public-private childcare partnerships
  • Strategies for encouraging collaboration between providers and employers

The dialogue underscored the willingness of Charlotte County’s business and childcare community to innovate, collaborate, and move forward together.

Resources and Next Steps

To close out the session, organizers provided attendees with helpful resources, including a downloadable guide to Florida’s Childcare Tax Credit. Attendees were also encouraged to stay engaged by participating in upcoming events, such as the 2025 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit scheduled for June 24.

Key follow-up actions included:

Closing Remarks: A Call to Action

As the webinar concluded, participants were reminded that real progress happens when businesses, providers, and community partners work together. The conversation marked an important milestone in Charlotte County’s commitment to creating an environment where families, businesses, and the economy can thrive hand in hand.

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