The COVID-19 pandemic quickly brought to light the hardships working parents face as they juggle careers and raise children, revealing the immense pressure of balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of parenthood.
However, as schools and childcare facilities began to close, women carried a heavier load than men in providing childcare and were significantly more likely than men with children to leave their jobs in 2020.1 This trend continued throughout the pandemic, and by February 2021, women’s participation in the labor force hit a low last seen in 1988.2
(Gender Differences in the Impact of COVID-19 published by the Center for Economic and Social Research June 2020.)
So, as moms do, they created a solution: mompreneurship.
What is a mompreneur?
A mompreneur (mom + entrepreneur) is a mom who starts and runs her own business. And while the word ‘mompreneur’ was initially coined in the 1990s, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have fueled a resurgence in the idea.
Seeking flexible work solutions, more and more mothers have turned to entrepreneurship, leveraging their skills and passions to create businesses that accommodate their family obligations, thus reshaping the landscape of modern work and motherhood.
Women in business statistics
Today, there are over 14 million women-owned small businesses, accounting for nearly 40% of all businesses in the United States. They help stimulate the economy, generate $2.7 trillion in annual revenue, and employ almost 12.2 million people.3
It’s estimated that 31% of women business owners have school-aged children at home.4 And for mothers who do not currently own a business, 44% said they’re either slightly or moderately interested in starting a business and becoming entrepreneurs.5
Similarities between motherhood and entrepreneurship
It should come as no surprise that some of the most successful entrepreneurs are moms. There are many similarities between motherhood and entrepreneurship, diaper rashes aside.
- Adaptability|
If you’ve ever been around children, you know that things don’t always go as planned. Motherhood teaches moms to be flexible and adaptable, two crucial qualities for navigating the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of running a business. - Emotional intelligence
Moms often develop strong emotional intelligence by learning to read and respond to their children’s needs and emotions. Reading someone correctly and being able to respond appropriately are skills that can help moms understand and connect with clients and employees on a deeper level. - Negotiation skills
Have you ever tried negotiating with an inconsolable toddler in the middle of a full-blown temper tantrum? It’s not pretty—and it can even make negotiations with a difficult client seem easy.
These skills are just a few examples of how motherhood can help provide a solid foundation for entrepreneurial success.
Mompreneur era
Are you ready to step into your mompreneur era? There are tons of business ideas out there for moms looking to break into entrepreneurship. The key is to try and find something you are passionate about.
40 business ideas for moms
- Freelance writing or editing
- Virtual assistant
- Online tutoring
- Handmade crafts
- Blogging or vlogging
- Photography
- Social media management
- Event planning
- Home-based bakery
- Fitness instructor
- Childcare services
- Pet sitting or dog walking
- Staffing agency for a specific industry or profession
- E-commerce store
- Consulting
- Graphic design
- Interior design
- Craft workshops
- Real estate agent
- Meal prep service
- House cleaning services
- Personal stylist or shopper
- Personalized gift shop
- Music lessons
- Language tutoring
- Resume writing
- E-book publishing
- Travel planning or agency
- Home staging
- Online course creation
- Podcast hosting
- Plant care or landscaping services
- Mobile spa or beauty services
- Online marketplace for vintage or thrift Items
- Pet grooming services
- Car detailing service
- Food Truck or catering
- Tech support or IT services
- Custom printing (T-shirts, Mugs, etc.)
- Senior care services
You might also be able to find inspiration in our other articles how to start a business with little to no money and how to start a small business at home.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Working moms often struggle to balance the pressures of their careers with the endless responsibilities of home life and motherhood. Raising children truly does take a village, and there is nothing wrong with asking grandparents, aunts, uncles, or close friends to be there when a work commitment pulls you away.
The bottom line
Starting a business as a mom can be both a rewarding and challenging journey. It offers the flexibility to balance work and family life while pursuing a passion or skill.
The possibilities for mompreneur business ideas are limitless. If today’s mothers used a global pandemic as a jumping-off point for business success, then there’s no ceiling they won’t break on the path to entrepreneurship!
- https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/seven-charts-that-show-covid-19s-impact-on-womens-employment
- https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/labor-and-employment-rights/women-and-the-workplace/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettbuttle/2023/10/30/the-economic-impact-of-women-owned-businesses/
- https://ecommercetips.org/women-in-business/
- https://www.shopify.com/blog/mom-entrepreneurs