Mum Entrepreneur Instigates Small Business Social Revolution

When mum of three Cas McCullough started her home-based business, it wasn’t book-keeping or sewing frilly nappy covers she had in mind. Instead, she started a social enterprise to work with local Brisbane and Ipswich women during the most vulnerable and life-changing periods of their lives.
 
Having operated for just on a year, on October 19th, McCullough will be sharing her journey alongside MP Rachel Nolan, Minister for Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts, Member for Ipswich and Emma-Kate Rose, General Manager of Brisbane Social Enterprise Food Connect at a local business dinner, Business with Heart.
 
“A lot of people talk about undertaking community-based initiatives but few think of it as a legitimate business opportunity.  By presenting at this event I aim to encourage people to think outside the box and embrace the idea of setting up a social enterprise. It’s easier than you might think and the rewards are enormous,” McCullough said.
 
McCullough, who supports women as a birth and postnatal doula and runs mums retreats, set up her business as a social enterprise after volunteering for eight years with community organisation Maternity Coalition.
 
“While the majority of social enterprises are established by non-profit organisations, you can run one as a small business. I saw a need in the community and went for it,” McCullough said.
 

• Doula is Greek for “woman’s servant.” The doula’s role is to provide emotional, informational and physical support to birthing women, wherever they give birth.
• Acccording to DONA International, “women cared for during labor by a birth doula, compared to those receiving usual care were:

1. 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
2. 41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
3. 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia
4. 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience” *From DONA International’s Position Paper on Birth Doulas.

• In Australia, 16 percent of birthing women experience postnatal depression according to Beyond Blue, the National Depression Initiative. 
• “Social enterprises use trade to create social, cultural or environmental value. The majority of social enterprises are non profit or limited profit distributing businesses, although some take on a for profit social business form.” FASES

Contact Information

Cas McCullough

Director

Mumatopia

(1) 7 438 898 706

cas@mumatopia.com