Using data from a qualitative case study of a statewide early childhood initiative, this article critically examines the budding relationship between one state's early childhood initiative and the corporate community. The analysis is situated within assumptions about the benefits of public--private partnerships and early childhood and childcare as vital to the nation's current and future workforce. Early childhood stakeholders courted the business sector to gain support for the program, and their actions resulted in unintended consequences, including privileging the perspectives of businesspersons above those of parents, service providers, and other stakeholders.