Business & Leadership
Building Strong, Sustainable Early Childhood Businesses
Successful early childhood programs require more than a passion for children—they require strong leadership, sound business practices, financial management, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Explore trusted organizations that support the business side of early childhood education.
Hinge Advisors
Website: https://www.hingeadvisors.com
Focus
Provides financial consulting, business strategy, and operational support exclusively for early childhood education programs.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Executive Directors
- Multi-Site Operators
Resources Available
- Financial Calculators
- Business Consulting
- Strategic Planning
- Industry Reports
- Leadership Events
- Webinars
First Children's Finance
Website: https://www.firstchildrensfinance.org
Focus
Helps early childhood businesses strengthen financial sustainability through consulting, planning, and business support.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Entrepreneurs
Resources Available
- Financial Consulting
- Business Planning
- Facility Expansion
- Budgeting
- Business Sustainability
McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership
Website: https://www.mccormickcenter.nl.edu
Focus
Advances leadership development and organizational effectiveness in early childhood education.
Best For
- Directors
- Owners
- Executive Leaders
Resources Available
- Leadership Training
- Research
- Assessments
- Program Evaluation
- Publications
Exchange Press
Website: https://www.exchangepress.com
Focus
Provides practical leadership resources, publications, conferences, and professional learning for early childhood professionals.
Best For
- Owners
- Directors
- Administrators
Resources Available
- Leadership Articles
- Books
- Conferences
- Professional Development
- Operational Resources
The ECE Architects
Website: https://theecearchitects.com
Focus
Provides practical systems, leadership development, compliance resources, operational tools, and business solutions created specifically for early childhood leaders.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Executive Leaders
- Multi-Site Organizations
Resources Available
- Business Systems
- Compliance Solutions
- Leadership Development
- Operational Templates
- Professional Training
- Consulting
SCORE
Website: https://www.score.org
Focus
Offers free mentoring and business education from experienced professionals to help small businesses succeed.
Best For
- New Business Owners
- Established Child Care Programs
- Entrepreneurs
Resources Available
- Business Mentoring
- Webinars
- Business Templates
- Growth Planning
- Financial Guidance
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Website: https://www.sba.gov
Focus
Provides funding programs, business education, and resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and manage successful businesses.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Entrepreneurs
- Nonprofit Leaders
Resources Available
- Loans
- Business Guides
- Learning Center
- Funding Resources
- Business Planning
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Website: https://10ksbapply.com
Focus
Provides business education, leadership development, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.
Best For
- Established Business Owners
- Growth-Oriented Entrepreneurs
Resources Available
- Executive Education
- Business Growth Strategies
- Peer Networking
- Leadership Development
Child Care Aware® of America
Website: https://www.childcareaware.org
Focus
Supports child care businesses through advocacy, operational resources, workforce initiatives, and provider support.
Best For
- Owners
- Directors
- Family Child Care Providers
Resources Available
- Business Resources
- Workforce Information
- Advocacy
- Research
- Provider Support