As you move through different stages of your life, your priorities change.  Kids start getting older, perhaps a “life-event” has changed the course of your life (of your own doing or otherwise) and now you’ve been thinking: what am I going to do next?

This is especially true for Moms who might have been out of work for a while.  Many of you might be thinking of a new career or a new start, but may be wondering what skills you have or what it’s going to take.  Well, remember this:  being a mom has equipped you with more skills than you might have thought and if going back to school or starting a new academic career isn’t what you have in mind, it might be a good time to start thinking about starting your own business and we’ve created this easy “go-to” guide to help you get started.

WHAT? A BUSINESS…NOW?

According to the financial magazine Forbes, there hasn’t been a better time.  As the global economy is starting to grow, so are local economies and as life returns to something resembling “normal”, there are many opportunities for entrepreneurial-minded moms to get moving.

OK, BUT WHAT TYPES OF BUSINESSES ARE SET TO GROW?

This is where you need to “look local”.  Every community has been affected by the global pandemic in different ways.  You may want to look at existing businesses that sadly may not have survived and could be going for a song, or you could identify specific needs in your area.

Think about services that all working families need.  School transport, childcare, catering assistance, home cleaning to mention just a few.  When you think about skills that you already have and that you could potentially “mould” to fit your local requirements you could be surprised at what’s needed and a good place to start is in your own social and professional network.  Ask.  It’s amazing what you’ll find.

THINKING OUT OF THE BOX, THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME FOR INNOVATION

Families are starting to recover financially, but there is going to be a bit of a stretch yet.  Perhaps you’ve always wanted to work with children with special needs, does your community have a handicap-accessible playground?. Does your local community have an under-used community hall or playground that could be reimagined into an after-school daycare? What about a service that delivers library books to those who can’t otherwise get there due to ongoing restrictions or mobility challenges?

As a lifelong mom, you’re already equipped with the type of skills, patience, empathy, and knowledge that only a lifelong mom could have. 

It’s time to shake off the dust and get busy and if you need any further motivation, take a read here. Women in business and specifically small businesses are quietly driving economic recovery all over the United States with women-of-colour generating a massive $422.5 Million in revenue.

It can seem scary, especially if you’re “starting from scratch” but if it’s one thing that successful moms all over the world already know, it’s how NOT to quit.