Calling all mums in business

Calling all mums in business

Raising a family is one of life’s great challenges; another is starting a business.

Entrepreneurial mothers are being asked to put themselves forward for the Fly Buys Mumtrepreneur Awards, a scheme rewarding women who have taken a business idea and turned it into a reality while raising a family at home.

From clever start-ups to companies gone global, the programme is open to businesses from all sectors and is awarding 10,000 Fly Buys points to category winners and an additional 40,000 Fly Buys points to the Supreme Mumtrepreneur of the Year Award winner – enough for a technology overhaul at work or home, or return flights and accommodation for an overseas family holiday.

Last year’s inaugural winners showcased the diversity of successful businesses run by Kiwi mums. Winners ranged from Wellington-based Bridgit Hawkins and her company Regen which helps diary farmers manage the environmental impact of dairy effluent, to Mairangi Bay’s Sandra Finlay who runs The Growth Collective, a service linking fresh food suppliers and schools so parents can order low cost and nutritious lunches for their kids.

Fly Buys chief executive Stephen England-Hall says the awards recognise the growing number of New Zealand women who manage to juggle the dual demands of family life and running a company.

“From businesswomen with sustainable ventures they manage from home to those exporting overseas, we’re looking for mumtrepreneurs from all backgrounds and levels who have identified a market opportunity and built a clear vision for the future.

“Balancing work and motherhood is a challenge at the best of times so our hats are tipped to women who manage to simultaneously run a business and a family home. They’re dedicated, enterprising and hardworking group and probably some of the busiest people in New Zealand,” Mr England-Hall says.

The supreme winner will be chosen from six category winners, including Best Product or Service, best Online or Technology Business, Best Creative Business, Best Food and Beverage Business, Best Social Enterprise or Not for Profit and the Best Agri Business.

Entrants will be judged by an expert panel that includes Trilogy co-founder Catherine de Groot, Tui Te Hau from *experience, and Stephen England-Hall.

To apply or nominate someone who deserves an award, see mumtrepreneurawards.co.nz. Entries are open until 15 June 2015.

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