First Children's Finance is a national nonprofit organization located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, whose work strives to break the cycle of poverty, starting with those who care for and educate the nation's youngest citizens--child care businesses. First Children's Finance asks the question: How do Americans talk about providing quality child care to children who need it most unless child care businesses are financially sound? Furthermore, quality care requires creative partnerships, and healthy businesses are required to make effective partners. In her work as the director of state operations and development for First Children's Finance, the author has had the great fortune to meet with some extremely resourceful early childhood leaders across the country. Recently, she traveled to Detroit to visit child care center directors and a wonderful group of partners whose work to improve their business practices has resulted in creative solutions for higher quality and accessibility for the children and families in their communities. In this article, the author shares her experiences in her work and describes how healthy business and creative partnerships strengthen quality early care and education. She recommends that directors who are seeking help on business issues visit the First Children's Finance web site, which offers free business tools and resources on marketing, finance, board governance, fundraising, personnel management, facilities, playgrounds, leadership, partnerships and technology.