Motherhood significantly affects women’s ability to start and sustain businesses, according to a recent study by Valentina Rutigliano. The research found that women are 42% less likely to start a business the year they give birth, and existing female-led businesses experience declines in profits (21%), assets (17%), and sales (21%) in the five years following childbirth.
The U.S. lacks essential support systems like paid parental leave and affordable childcare, placing a double burden on mothers who try to balance caregiving and entrepreneurship. These barriers not only hinder women’s economic contributions but also limit innovation and solutions driven by female entrepreneurs.
Childcare was identified as a critical factor for business success among mothers, with proximity to family-provided childcare, especially grandmothers, boosting survival rates and profitability. However, scalable solutions are needed, including universal childcare access, flexible funding, and tax code reforms to recognize childcare as a necessary business expense.
Supporting entrepreneurial moms benefits families, communities, and the economy, unlocking innovation and creating a more equitable business landscape. The time has come to build a safety net that empowers mothers to pursue their dreams without compromising their families.
