February 17, 2026
Construction on the ADVOCAP Childcare Incubator in Oshkosh continues to move forward, and we’re thrilled to see the building visibly taking shape. Seeing the walls go up marks an important milestone for a project created in response to the growing need for childcare across Winnebago County and the challenges many families and employers face when childcare is limited or unavailable.
The Childcare Incubator will provide a low-rent dedicated space where childcare entrepreneurs can operate using an in-home childcare model without being based in their personal residences. This approach helps remove common barriers, such as rental restrictions or limited space, for individuals who want to offer childcare services. For some providers, the Incubator may also serve as a starting point as they work toward expanding or opening a larger program in the future.
ADVOCAP has spent decades working alongside childcare providers and small business owners to help strengthen access to care and support local economic opportunities. In 1969, ADVOCAP launched Kindercare, the first childcare center in Fond du Lac County. In 1985, ADVOCAP established our first business incubator, initiating more than 40 years of work supporting local business development. Learn about our business development and small business loan services here.
That experience directly shapes how the Childcare Incubator is designed today. Providers in the Incubator will have access to on-site business development support, technical assistance, and guidance informed by ADVOCAP’s history of work with childcare providers and small startup businesses. This support is intended to help providers build sustainable programs and gain the knowledge to grow with confidence.
To learn more about the Childcare Incubator project, visit the Incubator page here.
Construction Partners and Funders
Thank you to the partners and funders who have made the
construction of the Childcare Incubator possible.
This project is also funded in part by grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration and
the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services.
