Big idea for small business

By Monique Ebrington
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges has produced a website to help working mothers balance their small businesses with their babies.
The Business Mums Network provides resources to support working women and provides a forum to meet online regularly and share personal experiences.
For 17 years Joanne Tate has juggled her roles as owner of her Yarra Valley Winery Tours business and as mother of two boys, now 19 and 21.
Mrs Tate has been a guest speaker for the Business Mums Network and said she wished there was a similar outlet when she was starting her own business.
“It would have been great if there had been a Business Mums Network when I first started my business,” she said.
“Back then no one was doing what I was doing, so I didn’t have a number to call if I needed help or wanted to ask for advice.”
She said finding a missing niche in the market and balance were keys to being a successful businesswoman and mother.
“Find something that’s missing and then get the skills to help you develop that business idea,” she said.
“Being balanced is so important. Let your business grow with your family,”
“I started off working at home when my boys were young and now they’re older and more independent and I’m in my own office.”
The network provides support for women already in business as well as providing ideas and feedback for mothers who want to start a business.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor Jeanette McRae said the website had a wide variety of members and was a valuable asset to all women.
“We’ve got mothers-to-be, mothers and grandmothers who are mortgage brokers, taxation consultants, bookkeepers, cafe owners, nurses, beauticians and health practitioners, just to name a few,” Cr McRae said.
For details on the Business Mums Network or to find out when the next network meeting will be visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au