Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba

You’re Not Alone: Combatting Loneliness in Entrepreneurship

Being an entrepreneur is full of highs, lows, and the uncertainty of everything in between. We often discuss common obstacles that women entrepreneurs face such as a lack of funding, fewer growth opportunities, and imposter syndrome, among others. However, a lesser-discussed challenge many women entrepreneurs face is loneliness.  

Entrepreneurship is inherently independent; its long hours, time-consuming nature, and high burden of responsibility can lead to isolation and social disconnect and can make it difficult to mitigate and recover from stressors. 

Loneliness has been described as a worldwide modern epidemic and is increasingly common among those who work in “extreme occupations” (including entrepreneurs), affecting not only the way they run their businesses, but also how they show up in other aspects of their lives.   

 

Why Loneliness Matters 

According to this U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Social Connection, loneliness and social isolation can have serious negative health consequences and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, and even death.

Why Loneliness Matters: According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Social Connection, loneliness and social isolation can have serious negative health consequences and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, and even death.For entrepreneurs, loneliness can be particularly detrimental. The emotional toll of loneliness can cloud decision-making, block creativity, and hinder motivation—all crucial aspects of running a successful business—and can be incredibly damaging to their mental health.  

Certain groups are also more likely to experience loneliness, such as those who live in rural or remote areas, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and those who experience discrimination or marginalization.  

 

How to Combat Loneliness and Build a Strong Support Network: 

  • Connect with fellow entrepreneurs: Check out local co-working spaces, attend workshops and networking events, or participate in online entrepreneur forums such as Facebook groups and Reddit communities.  
  • Find a mentor: Seek guidance and encouragement from an experienced entrepreneur who understands what you’re going through. Here are some handy tips on how to get a mentor! 
  • Build a mastermind group: Form a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who meet regularly to share challenges, celebrate wins, and provide each other with valuable insights. Tip: A recurring, pre-set date can help keep members accountable.  
  • Nurture existing relationships: Stay connected with friends and family whether they understand your entrepreneurial journey or not. Schedule regular “catchups” or join social groups outside of your business. Avoid making the assumption that non-entrepreneurs can’t (or won’t) understand your situation. 

 

According to the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Social Connection, there are three vital components of social connection: structure, function, and quality.

The three vital components of social connection flowchart.

  • Structure relates to the number and variety of your relationships, for example your household members, friend circles, and romantic relationships.  
  • Function is the degree to which your relationships serve your various needs, such as emotional support, business support/mentorship, and crisis support. 
  • Quality is the positive and negative aspects of your varied relationships. This can be your overall satisfaction with each relationship, strains that may exist, and social inclusion/exclusion.  

There are many ways we can connect socially, and there are many ways in which we can lack social connection. It is important to understand these three vital components which are each important for overall health and well-being. Maintaining healthy social connections and combatting loneliness is an ongoing process.  

 

Here are some more tips to prioritize your well-being and help fight loneliness: 

  • Schedule self-care time: Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you to de-stress, whether it’s exercise, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies. 
  • Set boundaries: Learn to say no to requests that drain your energy and time. If you’re always saying yes, you’re limiting your time for other replenishing activities! 
  • Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with persistent loneliness or its negative impacts, consider speaking with a professional.  

By taking steps to combat loneliness, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges—and celebrate the wins—in your entrepreneurial journey. 

The power of community: resources for Manitoba women entrepreneurs 

The Manitoba Women’s Enterprise Centre is here to support you! We offer a variety of programs, workshops, and networking opportunities specifically designed for self-identifying women, 2S, and gender-diverse entrepreneurs in Manitoba to connect with one another and grow.  

By connecting with us, you’re connecting with a thriving community of strong, innovative entrepreneurs in Manitoba.