Supporting emerging small business owners in managing their mental health and wellbeing

Everymind is expanding its Ahead For Business project to give specific support and resources to emerging small business owners in Australia.

Research has shown that being a small business owner can have several benefits (e.g. autonomy, financial independence, flexible working conditions). However, these benefits can be overshadowed by risks and challenges associated with being a small business owner, impacting mental health and wellbeing.

Various websites outline the different steps required to start a business; however, managing one’s mental health and wellbeing is often not considered.

The early stages of setting up a business are critical for establishing a good foundation for the business. And so, Ahead For Business will provide key resources and supports to help emerging small business owners manage their mental health and wellbeing and establish good practices from early on in their small business career.

Objective

This project aims to develop resources and provide support for emerging small business owners to manage their mental health and wellbeing.

Progress

Currently, we are designing a consultation project to talk to emerging small business owners and identify the needs that they have in relation to their mental health and wellbeing.

Funding

Australian Government Department of Health through The Prevention Hub

Principal researchers

Dr Sally Fitzpatrick

Program Manager, Everymind

Dr Fitzpatrick is a developmental and clinical psychologist who is passionate about understanding the factors that contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians. She is particularly passionate about translating this knowledge into evidence-based programs that focus on children and families.

> More

Yohana Franklin

Project Lead, Everymind

Yohana's work is focused on knowledge translation from research into programs that support mental health and prevent mental ill-health. She previously led the development of Ahead for Business, a project to provide digital access to mental health support for small business. Prior to joining Everymind, Yohana worked for 10 years in the not-for-profit sector in London in project management and leadership roles.

> More