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The City of Manhattan celebrated the grand opening of the Flint Hills Community Accelerator and Childcare Business Initiative (CBI) on Thursday at 2423 Kimball Avenue, marking a major step toward addressing the region’s childcare shortage.

The $8 million project, funded through public and private contributions with land donated by Ascension Via Christi, features eight fully equipped childcare suites operated by independent providers receiving mentorship and business support.

Governor Laura Kelly joined the ribbon-cutting. She praised the collaborative effort, calling the facility a model of “innovative, outside-the-box thinking” that integrates services under one roof.

The Accelerator unites CBI, Manhattan Area Technical College, Kansas WorkforceONE, and Manhattan Free Clinic, offering comprehensive resources in childcare, education, employment, and healthcare. Parents can pursue education, job seekers can train, entrepreneurs can launch businesses, and families can access affordable care.