Mumpreneurs the fastest growing start-ups

As mums in business are packing their bags and kissing their families goodbye to head to the national AusMumpreneur Awards and Conference, research from Start-Up Muster shows that one of the fastest growing demographics in the start-up space is women aged 35 to 55.

Women are registering businesses at three times the rate of men as they search for more flexibility, fulfilment and freedom.

Peace Mitchell, Co-Founder of AusMumpreneur Awards, Conference and The Women’s Business School said, “The word ‘balance’ has been thrown around so many times by working mums. Many women insist that there’s no such thing but I disagree. I know many women personally who have both spare time and incredibly successful businesses. It is possible.

“Women have been the nurturers, the carers, the healers, the comforters and the caregivers for thousands of years. When it comes to generosity and thinking of others it’s virtually second nature.

We’ve noticed a trend lately among women business owners. They have a vision to do more than just make a profit or be their own boss. It’s a deep sense of purpose, a commitment to making the world a better place, a calling. This unique sense of purpose is something you will rarely find in a typical corporate position and this strong desire to create something that will make an impact in the world is definitely a reason so many women are choosing entrepreneurship over their corporate careers.”

Driven to go out on their own

Ms Mitchell added that ongoing discrimination and inequity one of the key reasons behind the increase in the number of female entrepreneurs.

“For other women a sense of freedom and financial independence is a deciding factor in their choice to ‘go out on their own’. Despite years of acknowledgment that there is a problem and countless measures to address these issues, the gender pay gap persists in Australia, particularly as women get older or become mothers. The super gap continues to widen as well, meaning many women will retire with an estimated $100,000 less than men.

“Women working part time often report that they are being overlooked for promotion opportunities and an estimated 50 per cent of pregnant women report facing discrimination at work. With thousands of women facing these conditions it’s no wonder that they are searching for a better way to improve their future.”

This year the AusMumpreneur Network received 1850 nominations and there are 225 finalists from all over the country for the Awards, which take place alongside the Conference next Thursday and Friday in Melbourne.

Co-Founder Katy Garner said, “We’re very impressed with the level of talent we’re seeing in the finalists for the Awards this year. We’ve had more nominations than ever before from women who have created incredible businesses.”