Juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship is not a simple way of life. But like many women, I’ve embraced the challenge with determination, knowing that resilience and ambition make an unstoppable duo. As my kids have grown, the way I approach business has evolved too—far different from those early days when I pushed a stroller in and out of my office in LA’s Fashion District. The tools I needed changed with every stage of motherhood. Having navigated those seasons, I’ve become stronger, more experienced and better equipped to handle the pressures that once felt overwhelming.
Entrepreneurship and parenting together present unique challenges, but they also create incredible opportunities to support all entrepreneurs in our communities as they bring their ideas to life. By creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurial mothers, we help them cultivate successful businesses while honoring the responsibilities and deep fulfillment of family life. As a community, we have the chance to create valuable support systems that uplift these women.
Rethinking Career and Family Planning Decisions
For many entrepreneurial women, the traditional career path doesn’t always fit, and that divergence is both valid and increasingly common. Success today looks different for everyone. It might mean building a business while raising a family, or it might mean prioritizing career growth and choosing not to have children at all. Motherhood isn’t a requirement for fulfillment, and it’s important to create space for all versions of womanhood to be recognized and respected.
For those navigating both entrepreneurship and motherhood, fertility and family planning bring unique considerations. The decision of whether and when to have children is deeply personal. Thanks to innovations in healthcare, fertility preservation and flexible work options, women now have more tools to plan their lives and careers on their own terms.
Some moms grow their families early in their entrepreneurial journeys, while others may choose to delay motherhood or pause to focus on building a sustainable business first. There is no single right way. What matters most is access to choices, supportive environments and systems that can adapt to the different paths women take.
Building a Supportive Network
One of the most valuable tools any entrepreneur can have is a solid support system. Motherhood comes with unique challenges, and having a network of like-minded women who understand the juggle makes all the difference. Over my 25 years of entrepreneurship, my network has been one of my most important resources, providing guidance, motivation and connections that have helped me grow and adapt.
These connections—whether through video calls, in-person meetups, or online communities—become invaluable sources of encouragement and practical advice. Moms in business share tips on managing childcare, balancing work demands and accessing resources tailored to their needs, creating a space where they can thrive together. For women building high-growth ventures, intentionally seeking out mentors and industry peers can be a secret weapon for success, opening doors to funding, strategic partnerships and leadership development that accelerate long-term success.
Accessing Funding and Capital
Even with strong ideas and solid strategies, many entrepreneurial moms face major hurdles in securing funding. Traditional sources often miss the unique realities of motherhood and business ownership. Even though women-led startups tend to be more successful, with fewer failures and better returns, startups with only female founders still consistently receive less than 2% of VC funding.
Fortunately, dedicated programs are making some progress. Organizations like the Tory Burch Foundation, the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program, and platforms like Hello Alice provide access to financial support and mentorship specifically for women entrepreneurs. These programs reduce barriers to entry and help founders move forward with confidence. Crowdfunding platforms and angel networks also offer alternative pathways for raising capital while balancing caregiving responsibilities.
As more women enter high-growth industries like tech and AI, the need for capital that reflects real-world demands continues to grow. People are beginning to push for fairer access to venture funding, aiming to create more inclusive financial ecosystems. When moms can access funding, they’re better positioned to build stable, scalable businesses.
Making Startup Culture Work for Mothers
Startup culture has evolved, but there is still room to grow for founders who are also mothers. These women build companies while managing parenting, caregiving and often invisible labor. Yet many programs still operate under outdated, one-size-fits-all models.
Instead of standard tech accelerators that often require in-person, multi-week commitments in other cities, entrepreneurial moms with young children should look for hybrid or local models. Opt for pitch competitions that recognize the value in less conventional founders instead of those that reward flashy presentations over real insights and meaningful traction.
Entrepreneurial moms need support systems that reflect today’s realities—programs that value sustainability, long-term vision and lived experience. It’s not just about being family-friendly. It’s about widening the pipeline so the best ideas—wherever they come from—get a real chance to grow.
Supporting Moms to Benefit Society
When mothers are equipped with the right tools and resources to build and grow their businesses, the impact extends far beyond individual success. Thriving mothers contribute to stronger local economies, increased innovation, and healthier communities overall. But real progress doesn’t happen by accident—it requires deliberate effort from the top levels of government, industry, and civic leadership to ensure that people from a variety of backgrounds can access the same opportunities.
This means moving beyond surface-level support and investing in infrastructure, funding pathways, and mentorship systems that have too often been reserved for a select few. For moms—especially those balancing caregiving and entrepreneurship—access to the right networks, financial capital, and practical support can make the difference between stagnation and high growth.
If you are an entrepreneurial mom or someone who wants to see them thrive, here are a few actionable public and community-based solutions that you can support:
Public Policy Support
- Expanded Childcare Subsidies
Affordable, high-quality childcare is not a luxury—it’s a foundation for enabling parents to participate fully in business and innovation. - Tax Incentives for Women-Owned Businesses
Purpose-built tax breaks and grant programs can lower the barriers to entry and help sustain early-stage ventures. - Increased Funding for Women Entrepreneurs through SBA Programs
Federal proposals have aimed to increase funding for programs like the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program and Women’s Business Centers. These efforts focus on giving women more equitable access to capital, contracts and mentorship—key ingredients for scaling businesses and entering high-growth sectors.
Community Resources
- Local Business Grants & Mentorship
Programs that offer capital and experienced guidance can help mothers make informed decisions and build resilient companies. - Co-working Spaces with Onsite Childcare
These environments create essential space for productivity while meeting real-world parenting needs. - Flexible Lending Options
Microloans, revenue-based financing and crowdfunding tailored to women-led ventures can open doors that traditional banks may not.
When we intentionally design systems that remove obstacles and open up access to the full spectrum of talent and ideas, everyone benefits. Supporting mothers in business isn’t just good social policy—it’s smart economic strategy.
Building Success on Your Terms
Entrepreneurship and family life are always evolving, and finding balance is part of the game. Some days, you’re killing it. Other days, you’re adapting and strategizing to overcome unforeseen challenges.
With a strong support network, access to the right resources and the freedom to define success on your own terms, building a thriving and impactful life is within reach. It’s not always easy, but the ability to pursue both professional and personal fulfillment creates a deep sense of purpose.
For those ready to take the leap—whether launching a business, growing a family, or both—know that success is possible. You can carve out a path that works for you, your family and your vision. A good place to get the support you need is at an Edson E+I event. You’ll experience a welcoming community where anyone, at any stage, can find what they need to take their entrepreneurial journey to the next level.
