Meeting a childcare need in Northern Wisconsin

WEDC supports Shine Bright on Main project in Coleman with $147,300 Community Development Investment Grant

MADISON, WI. AUG. 11, 2026 - In Northern Wisconsin, parents often face a seemingly endless shuttle: they work in one community, have their children in school in another, and find the only available daycare in still another.

Andrea Schaut knew the routine all too well, so she decided to do something about it. She quit her job at a title company, purchased a vacant building, and opened her own daycare, Shine Bright on Main, in Coleman, a village of 700 in Northern Wisconsin.

"I was determined to make quality childcare available in our community," Schaut said. "We worked with the resources we had, stayed committed to our vision, and found a way to make it happen."

Her efforts helped. She opened the daycare licensed to watch eight kids, but there still wasn't enough space to meet the demand in the region. So, Schaut decided to renovate and expand the 2,000-square-foot building.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the $300,000 project with a $147,300 Community Development Investment Grant.

"Childcare is one of the most critical needs of our workforce," said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state's leading economic development organization. "This Shine Bright on Main renovation and expansion will provide much-needed access to affordable, quality childcare for families in rural Northeastern Wisconsin."

Once complete, Shine Bright on Main will be licensed to serve 47 kids, age six weeks to 12 years, and will have seven or eight staff members.

The renovation and expansion will include renovating and adding wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, installing a warming kitchen, adding signage, installing new flooring, and upgrading electrical and HVAC. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2027.

The expanded space will also allow Schaut to offer after-school care.

"This expansion is about creating a better experience for everyone," Schaut said. "Families will have more convenient care options, and children will have safe, welcoming spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive."

For parents in the Marinette County, the expansion of Shine Bright on Main is a welcome addition to the community.

"Choosing Shine Bright on Main has been one of the best decisions for my family," said Janel Jaskolski, whose 2-year-old attends the daycare. "Every day I leave knowing my child is loved, encouraged, and cared for as if they were family. That peace of mind is priceless and allows me to provide for my family while knowing my child's future is being built on a foundation of love, learning, and compassion."

While Shine Bright on Main is providing a much-needed option for those seeking childcare, Schaut hopes it also has an impact on the other businesses in downtown Coleman.

"This building sat vacant for a couple of years and bringing something back here is allowing it to thrive," Schaut said. "Hopefully it has a trickle-down effect on other businesses in the area."