Media Contact
Brooke Flower
Brooke.Flower@epicimpact.org

Denver, CO (November 9, 2026) — Childcare disruptions cost American businesses an estimated $70 billion every year. Now, 150 business leaders are coming together to confront the problem. From November 9-10, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and Moms First will convene employers, economic development leaders and national partners for the Business Leaders in Action for Childcare National Summit, focused on how businesses can invest in solutions that strengthen America’s workforce and economy.

The economic impact is felt across industries and communities nationwide. According to research from Moms First and McKinsey, nine in 10 parents nationwide say childcare disruptions affected their ability to work in the past year. Yet only 15% of employers offer childcare benefits. Research also finds that employer childcare initiatives can generate a positive return on investment ranging from 5% to 300%, making childcare not just a family issue but a business imperative.

The Summit comes on the heels of a midterm election in which affordability was front and center for voters, putting renewed pressure on elected leaders to address the rising costs facing American families. With childcare among the biggest expenses for working parents — and a major source of workforce disruption for employers — business leaders are increasingly recognizing that they have a role to play in driving solutions.

“Childcare is not a personal problem families should have to solve on their own. It’s an economic imperative, and businesses have a critical role to play in addressing it. We know that when parents can’t access care, they leave the workforce, businesses lose money, and families are pushed further away from economic security. Childcare isn’t an emergency expense to invest in when the economy is in crisis. It’s a fundamental investment in our future as a nation. And when business leaders come together, they have the power to turn that investment into lasting change for families across the country.” said Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO of Moms First

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston will address attendees. Business and policy leaders representing employers across the country include KPMG, McKinsey, Toyota North America, Intel, Etsy, JBS Foods, Guild, Denver International Airport, CAKES Body and SHRM Foundation.

Through keynotes, executive discussions, interactive workshops and peer exchanges, participants will explore innovative approaches to workforce childcare challenges and learn from successful public-private partnerships. Sessions will examine how employers across industries can address childcare barriers, strengthen their workforces and expand access to care in communities nationwide.

“The cost of inaction on childcare is simply too high, for businesses, working families and our economy. We know that when business leaders come together, they have the power to turn challenges into real, lasting solutions. This Summit is about moving beyond the conversation and into action, bringing together leaders from across the country to share what’s working, spark new ideas and build partnerships that expand access to childcare. EPIC has been at the forefront of this work, and now we have an opportunity to build on that momentum and drive meaningful change nationwide,” said Nicole Riehl, President and CEO of EPIC.

This year’s Summit builds on the 2023 National Business Leaders in Action Summit, hosted by EPIC, the Bipartisan Policy Center and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It also furthers the work of the National Business Coalition for Childcare, a network of more than 200 companies and state affiliates convened by Moms First. The coalition brings employers together to share approaches to childcare challenges and make the case for business investment in solutions.

Supporters of the Summit include presenting sponsor the David and Laura Merage Foundation,  Adecco Group US Foundation, Bright Horizons, Cakes Body, Care.com, Etsy, JBS USA, Learning Care Group, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Buell Foundation, the First Five Years Fund, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Wellthy and more.

Learn more at businessleadersforchildcare.com.