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Research to spotlight 'mumpreneurs' in new Kent Business School project

Women who combine motherhood with launching their own business often have to overcome many barriers to succeed. Now a new research project at the University will explore the phenomenon of the so-called ‘mumpreneurs'.

Dr Patricia Lewis, of Kent Business School, will lead the research to explore the emergence of this new type of entrepreneur. Examples of this type of businesswoman include Chrissie Rucker, founder of the White Company, and Justine Roberts and Carrie Longton, founders of Mumsnet.com.

Dr Lewis said: ‘This fascinating form of entrepreneurship sees women choosing to stay at home and care for children while launching a successful business, often with a nurturing or child-centred theme.

'One of the project’s key questions will be whether combining business with being a stay-at-home mum can make women's entrepreneurial activity seem less legitimate.'

The one-year project, titled Mumpreneurs: Reframing Women's Entrepreneurial Activity?, will investigate how distinct ideas about being a mum and entrepreneur influence women’s business and mothering activities. The British Academy research grant-funded project will begin in September.

Contact: pressoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 11:06am 16 May 2012