Women are less likely to belong to a business network, to have a business mentor, or to join business associations at business start up (Still & Timms 2000). Forfas (2007) contribute this fact to the personal background and employment experience of Irish females, in addition to the boarder socio-economic and cultural context in which female businesses operate. These factors result in many females not building up sufficient contacts that can assist them in the start up and growth stages ofbusiness development (Hampton, Cooper & McGowan, 2007). In particular, female entrepreneurs are less likely to have exposure to successful female entrepreneurs or female role models who they can revert to for advice (Fitzsimons & O’Gorman, 2007). Participation in networks (formal and or informal) provide access to information, support, and a forum for practical advice and sharing of experiences with individuals who are in similar positions and encountering or have encountered the same challenges ofbusiness growth (Eastwood 2004;Holden, 2007). Delaney (2007) extends the focus of networks to include the importance of mentoring for female entrepreneurs as it provides inexpensive advice and access to experts who can empathise with the challenges faced by the female entrepreneur (Holden, 2007). Oppedisano (2005, p.248) captures how vital networking and mentoring is when they state “Women want and need connections — whether it’s through the sewing circle, water well, chat rooms, clubs or associations!” A major element to overcoming this barrier may involve women empowering one another through sharing experiences and assisting each other.
To date, a review of the profile of the female entrepreneur and the type ofbusinesses established had highlighted the need for a balance of work and life resulting in women operating a business from home thus an increased incidence of the home based entrepreneur i. e. the mompreneur.