Becoming an entrepreneur improves family life

Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of female business owners surveyed feel that running their own business has improved the quality of their family life, according to a new report from Vistaprint.

The report explores challenges and attitudes of female entrepreneurs based in the UK and the US and found that almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of women surveyed found achieving the right work-life balance their biggest challenge when setting up in business.

That was closely followed by limited access to funding and gender discrimination. But contrary to concerns the increased responsibility of childcare could take up too much time for women to run their own business, the study showed that women with larger families actually have a more positive outlook on the future of their business.

Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of entrepreneurial mums with at least three children anticipate their business growing in the next five years.

One of the main factors behind their desire to grow their business is setting a positive example for their children, demonstrating the benefits of working hard and following your dreams.

Trynka Shineman, president, Vistaprint, said: “It’s inspiring to see the vast majority of female business owners feel that their home life and personal satisfaction has benefitted from running their own business.

“They have more control over their schedules and get more choice over the work they actually want to do.

“At Vistaprint we have the opportunity to work with millions of business owners around the world. We find that what many of them have in common is how much they are driven by this freedom, along with the enjoyment of pursuing their passion, over dreams of huge financial success.”

Date published 24 Oct 2016 | Last updated 24 Oct 2016