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Local chapter of Enterprising Moms Network launched

Being a mother is no easy task. But combine those responsibilities with the challenges facing an entrepreneur, and the hurdles can seem insurmountable.

Being a mother is no easy task. But combine those responsibilities with the challenges facing an entrepreneur, and the hurdles can seem insurmountable.

Tanya Kitchen-Johnson is eager to help. She’s launching a Red Deer chapter of Enterprising Moms Network — a women’s business organization that’s currently active in nine communities in British Columbia and two others in Ontario.

Other business groups for women exist, said Kitchen-Johnson, but working mothers often have unique issues. For instance, many must reconcile business commitments with the availability of child care.

“Sometimes you have to work past 9 to 5. Can you find someone to help you with that?”

At Enterprising Moms Network meetings, which take place monthly, speakers discuss topics related to business or parenting, Members also have the opportunity to network, sharing their experiences and developing connections that can benefit their businesses or careers.

“That’s the hope as well,” said Kitchen-Johnson.

She’s familiar with the issues working mothers face, having two daughters, aged 1 and 7, herself. In addition to teaching a course about becoming an entrepreneur through Red Deer College, Kitchen-Johnson is a business analyst at Community Futures Central Alberta.

“I work with entrepreneurs every day, so I see lots of these moms come into my office. I’m trying to find another alternative for them.”

She’s optimistic Enterprising Moms Network, which was founded in Whiterock, B.C., in 2007, will continue to expand, and would like to see chapters in Edmonton and Calgary.

The organization is open to all women. Kitchen-Johnson explained that members without children might become mothers in the future.

The new Red Deer chapter will hold a launch party on Thursday, April 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. This will take place at Community Futures Central Alberta’s office at 5013 49th Ave.

Information about Enterprising Moms Network will be provided, with Tyler Bowman of REaction Marketing to conduct a presentation. Organizational details about the Red Deer chapter will also be discussed, sad Kitchen-Johnson.

“I think I’ve got about five or six people already wanting to come in, and I’ve just started marketing it. So I’m really positive about it.”

There is no cost to attend the launch party, but interested women are asked to register in advance by going to the Enterprising Moms Network website at www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com/emn.html, and clicking “Chapters,” then “Red Deer” and finally “Register as a Guest.”

hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com