Parents of Small Biz | Happyasabean

PARENTS OF SMALL BIZ LEEDS

Bringing together self employed parents in Leeds to DECREASE SOCIAL ISOLATION AND improvE mental health through in-person events and an online community

I developed the Parents of Small Biz Leeds Community as a way to connect self-employed parents in Leeds. After maternity leave, when other mums were returning back to the workplace, I felt connected with the few people who understood the juggle of working freelance around parenthood. I decided to create a community to help others find their people, to discover other Leeds small businesses and to discuss and share experiences, so that ultimately we could all have a bit more time for ourselves and our little ones.

GOALs

To make self employed parents in Leeds feel less alone
Provide spaces where people can share their stories and knowledge of local resources.
To showcase the reality of 'the juggle' and provide a place to support each other to manage the expectations and realities of parenting and self employment.
Provide free, fun events to for those who wouldn’t typically invest in their own wellbeing or networking.

WHAT I DID

I successfully applied for a small grant from LiveWellLeeds to support running costs for a website and events. I worked voluntarily on this project whilst taking time away from work to raise my child.

Child-Friendly Weekly Gatherings Informal daytime meet-ups where parents could network, exchange ideas, and socialise. These events were held in accessible venues with play areas and toys for children, while also welcoming parents who preferred to come alone. These were planned at independent small business cafes around Leeds.

Monthly Child-Free Meetups These casual, judgment-free events provided a space for parents of all ages to relax, share stories, and laugh about the challenges of balancing self-employment and parenthood.

Monthly Co-Working with Childcare Partnering with The Den in Headingley, these sessions offered a collaborative workspace for parents. Attendees could work productively while their little ones were cared for in an adjoining crèche.

Fortnightly Creative Wednesdays Held at Left Bank Leeds, these sessions offered parents a break from work to engage in arts and crafts in a relaxed, creative environment.

Skillsharing and Workshops Including panel discussions of social media, workshops in copy writing, business planning and mental health. Skill sharing between community members allowed people to try out new materials and approaches and receive valuable, friendly feeback.

A Professional Development Networking Morning In partnership with NatWest and AD:VENTURE, I curated a free event that included training in developing an effective elevator pitch, an introduction to regional business development courses, free professional headshots, sponsored by NatWest and taken by a POSB community member. This event combined personal and professional development, practical resources and empowerment of attendees.

IMPACT

Over its duration, Parents of Small Biz Leeds made a significant impact:
Over 100 Leeds-based small businesses became members, many of which continue to connect through an active WhatsApp group and organising their own community-led events.
Facilitated skill-sharing sessions between small business owners and Leeds based business development resources.
Improved mental health and wellbeing of participants by helping self-employed parents feel seen, supported, and connected in their professional and personal lives.
The initiative has left a lasting legacy in Leeds, demonstrating that community-driven solutions can transform the experience of balancing parenthood and self-employment.
Community members came together to put on an Art Exhibition entitled "Parenthood' in Summer 2024

Parents of Small Biz Leeds has been instrumental in helping me feel reassured, supported and confident to continue my business as a new parent. The events provide the perfect environment to meet new people who are all juggling similar things in life, either just to chat and relate to or to be inspired by. This is so important after such a long period of isolation for us all.

I can't recommend the group enough, I've met some amazing people so far and can't wait to meet more.

Meeting Joanne and becoming part of the Parents of Small Biz Leeds community has been a life saver. [...] like I had finally found ‘my people’ and it was amazing to meet so many other people facing the same challenges and supporting one another. I have made friends for life through the network who I can talk to about anything from pre-school and potty training to tax returns and workshop rates. [...] I can’t thank Joanne enough for what she has created. I honestly don’t know if I’d have found the strength to keep my business going without the support of my amazingly talented and kind new friends.

I really enjoyed being part of this group and the community we belong to. I have attended some of the meets up, sharing ideas and support. I use the whats app group frequently and we all offer support and guidance with like minded people. Working in small business can be isolating but this group has built that support network that we need. Jo is kind and approachable.