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

Supported by Ipswich Women in Business and Support a WAHP (Work-at Home Parent), the event is being held on 19th October at sustainable restaurant Fourthchild, 126 Brisbane Street Ipswich, Queensland at 6pm. Bookings essential as seats limited at this intimate event.

“We invite all business owners and individuals who want to be inspired to follow their dreams to join us for a sumptuous meal and an inspiring discussion on how we can all change the world, one person at a time,” McCullough said.

Contact Information

Cas McCullough

Director

Mumatopia

(1) 7 438 898 706

cas@mumatopia.com