Parent entrepreneurs
Running a business with kids in tow
Parent-friendly networking groups, events you can actually make, coworking that works with a kid along, and honest tips from parents doing it in Austin.
Life moment guide
Starting or running a business as a parent
Building something of your own while raising kids takes guts, and a lot of nap-time emails. Whether you're making your side hustle official or growing a real company, Austin has free coaching, free workshops at the library, and plenty of fellow parent founders. Here are the official first steps, plus help for the two big parent questions: health insurance and childcare.
Find your people
Parent-friendly groups
Get out there
Upcoming parent-friendly events
Networking tips
Start with free daytime events. Many small business workshops happen during school hours: BizAid orientations (11am–noon, often on Zoom), SCORE library workshops (2–3:30pm), and monthly Small Business Office Hours (noon–2pm, no appointment).
SourceLook for groups that welcome kids. Austin Female Founders says "babies in arms are always welcome," and North Austin Family Network events are "designed for real life with kids."
SourcePlug into mom-founder communities. ATX Moms Society runs socials and networking for founders, creatives and working moms. NAWBO Austin and Networking Bossbabes focus on women business owners.
SourceNeed a quiet spot for a call or a meeting? Austin Public Library Shared Learning Rooms are free for 2–10 people, for 15 minutes to 2 hours, and you can book up to 2 weeks ahead. No library card needed.
SourceGet free one-on-one advice before you spend money. The City's small business coaching is free and confidential (up to 3 times a month), and SCORE mentoring is free.
SourceIf childcare is what's stopping you, check whether you qualify for a Workforce Solutions childcare scholarship (Travis County, income limits, and generally 25+ hours a week of work, school or training for a single parent). Kids 0–3 have a faster priority track.
SourcePick one recurring group and go 3 times. Weekly or monthly groups (BNI chapters, chamber luncheons, NAWBO's monthly luncheon) build relationships faster than one-off mixers, and many luncheons fit within school hours (11:15am–1:30pm).
Source
Coworking
Work with kids
Coworking with childcare, cafés that welcome a laptop and a toddler.
Directory
Full business community
Every group and event, parent-friendly or not.