Family child-care programs (FCCs) are a unique and vital part of the Massachusetts child-care and education system. FCC owners tend to serve some of the highest-need children and families in the Commonwealth, yet the owners and assistants who run these programs often take home some of the lowest wages among educators. While much research has been dedicated to improving the quality of care and education in child-care settings, this report focuses on a different but equally critical challenge: how to strengthen the financial stability of FCCs as small businesses. How can they grow? How can they become platforms for building wealth? This analysis draws from a mixed-methods approach, combining FCC program budgets, data from the Department of Early Education and Care, and qualitative insights from focus groups with owners. This synthesis offers a deeper understanding of the financial realities of FCC ownership and identifies strategies to support owners not just as educators but as small business owners. While many FCC educators prioritize family accessibility and program quality over their own take-home pay, achieving financial security should not come at the expense of their well-being. Recent policy improvements--such as flexible operational grants to providers and increased funding for child-care subsidies--have strengthened the sector, but more targeted interventions are needed. Increasing owner revenue, expanding administrative support, implementing housing-oriented solutions, and developing wealth-building strategies would help FCC educators thrive both financially and professionally. [This report was prepared with Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget).]