For Mid-30s Moms, The Midwest Offers Career Growth And Family Balance

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin South Dakota tops LOGO.com’s list as the best US state for parents to start a business, with a … [+] Parent Entrepreneur score of 56/100, a 9.8% success rate for new businesses, and low annual childcare costs of $6,677. getty Last year, women earned 84% of what men earned, with the wage gap widening for women from different backgrounds and industries. For many mothers, particularly those in their mid-30s, this gap becomes significant as they reach their prime career years and their children enter school age. Mothers often reevaluate their professional paths at this stage, seeking greater control over their incomes and family responsibilities. According to a recent study by LOGO.com, the Midwest, often regarded for its affordable cost of living and supportive communities, offers working mothers in this age group a favorable environment for exploring new career opportunities, including entrepreneurship. States like South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska present a unique combination of factors that may appeal to women seeking to balance professional growth with family life. These states feature lower living costs, affordable childcare, and growing support systems for small businesses—conditions that can reduce financial pressures and make entrepreneurship a more viable option. South Dakota tops LOGO.com’s list as the best US state for parents to start a business, with a Parent Entrepreneur score of 56/100, a 9.8% success rate for new businesses, and low annual childcare costs of $6,677. North Dakota follows closely with a Parent Entrepreneur score of 53.63, featuring a 10.1% success rate for small businesses and relatively low childcare costs of $8,624 annually. Amanda Schmitt, a 36-year-old mother and entrepreneur from South Dakota, shares how the Midwest’s affordability and support systems can empower mothers to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Schmitt explains how the region’s low costs and strong local networks have been instrumental in her business journey: “Affordable rent and utilities mean I can operate from home and put more money back into the business. Locally, I’ve found great support through a women’s entrepreneurship network. The mentorship and advice from other mom business owners have been invaluable. They’ve helped guide my journey and connected me with resources like small business grants. I’ve relied on family members and swapped babysitting with other mom friends. While not always ideal, these solutions have allowed me to juggle work and kids when necessary.” MORE FOR YOU New Critical Password Warning—86% Of All Router Users Need To Act Now Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Asks Again For Bail As He Awaits Trial: Here’s A Complete Look At The Allegations ‘Expect Fireworks’—BlackRock CEO Issues ‘Crazy’ Fed Warning As A China ‘Tsunami’ Is Predicted To Hit Crypto And The Bitcoin Price Nebraska, also in the top five states, combines a moderate cost of living with good access to funding and business support, making it another attractive location for mothers seeking financial stability while raising a family​. By comparison, states like Hawaii, though offering higher wages, often burden working mothers with high living and childcare expenses, making financial independence more challenging. In Massachusetts, for example, the annual childcare cost averages $16,781 a year. For mothers in their mid-30s, the transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship may be driven by necessity and opportunity. As children grow older and enter school, the demands of parenting often shift, providing mothers with more time and flexibility to pursue professional endeavors. In states with lower costs and accessible business resources, this flexibility can lead to more control over careers and income. The rise of remote work has further enabled mothers to explore entrepreneurship or side hustles, regardless of their geographic location. With the ability to work remotely, women in the Midwest can tap into national markets while benefiting from the region’s lower costs. States like South Dakota and North Dakota offer both affordability and networking and support systems tailored to women entrepreneurs. Groups like the South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity and the North Dakota Women’s Business Center provide valuable resources, including mentorship, funding opportunities, and professional development programs. The study found that Midwest states offer better funding support for entrepreneurs and affordable living conditions. This combination creates an environment where women can more easily balance entrepreneurship with family responsibilities. The challenge of managing work schedules and family needs, typical for many mothers, is eased in regions where business opportunities and family support systems are well-aligned. The Midwest’s family-oriented solid culture, particularly in states like South Dakota, often motivates and inspires entrepreneurs through the support of their family members. While the Midwest may not offer the same fast-paced business environment as coastal cities, it provides unique advantages for entrepreneurial working mothers. Access to digital platforms and remote work opportunities allows women in less populated areas to participate in broader professional networks, bridging the gap between rural and urban business ecosystems. For many women, particularly those in their mid-30s, the Midwest presents an opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship without sacrificing family life or financial stability. Every region has strengths and challenges. But the Midwest offers working mothers a balance between affordability, professional opportunity, and family life. As the work landscape continues to evolve, with remote work becoming more accessible, the Midwest stands out as a region where mothers can thrive personally and professionally. About the Study: All 50 states were analyzed based on factors contributing to an overall parent entrepreneur score. The study included data sourced from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and The World Population Review, focusing on key metrics such as the success rate of new and small businesses, access to funding support, cost of living, the number of childcare facilities, average childcare costs, and the availability of transportation. Based on these factors, each state was assigned LOGO.com’s Parent Entrepreneur score to identify the states that offer the most supportive environment for parent entrepreneurs. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here. Christine Michel Carter Following Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades