About Us

Who we are

Started in 2004 by life balance author/speaker/ coach Renee Peterson Trudeau, president of Austin-based Career Strategists, the Business+Balance Austin Group is a professional organization for women entrepreneurs who also happen to be parents.

Membership includes more than 300 entrepreneurs, many of whom “off ramped” after successful careers in corporate America to launch small businesses that allow for flexible schedules that support their families and life goals.

Business+Balance members are unique in that they are as passionate about their clients and their businesses as they are about their children!

"The Business+Balance members I've counted on have performed with a level of professionalism and integrity that few contractors are able to achieve."

- Mary Dean  founder/chief creative officer, KickSkirt

How the Group Evolved

One evening in 2004, Renee was leading a self-renewal circle for mothers which focused on Building Your Support Network (an exercise from her book The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal). As she created her own support wheel, mapping out her professional and personal needs, it became evident that a huge gap existed in the area of “support for self-employed women who are parents of young children” -- and the Business+Balance Austin Group was born.

Why Hire Business+
Balance Members?

Why would you hire Business+Balance members over other small businesses?  The members of our group offer a wide array of services - business, career, communication, work-life balance, small business coaches and consultants, marketing/public relations strategists, image/wardrobe consultants, graphic/Web designers and art directors, nanny and concierge service providers, personal chefs, writers/editors, fitness and personal trainers, therapists and counselors, product designers, parenting and life balance specialists, doctors, accountants and more!

"When I work with Business+Balance Austin members, I'm guaranteed that the service providers will be highly professional, dependable, responsive to my needs and meet my budget and deadline requirements. Whether I need support from a marketing strategist, a graphic designer or a contract project coordinator, I don't hesitate to turn to Business+Balance for quality referrals."

- Ken Bodeman 
   president, 
Ranch 3232
Vacation Properties

Here are a few reasons why we know you’ll enjoy working with them:

• Experience and value. Many of our members previously worked for large firms where they gained a breadth of experience. Now, as small business owners, they offer the same quality and professionalism at a fraction of the cost.
• A commitment to service. Our members are dedicated to their clients and are selective about who they work with. This approach to business allows them to continue offering top-notch service.
• A network of support. Our members are interconnected, resourceful and collaborative by nature. Because of that, they can provide personal referrals and recommendations to other Business+Balance members based on your unique needs.
• Dedication to the Austin community. Our members are active community leaders who love to give back to the community in which we live and work. When you hire a Business+Balance member, you are directly supporting the Austin community and economy as a whole. Not only are you spending locally, but you are supporting the group’s commitment to community service. 

Business+
Balance Group In the News!

Our organization has been featured in Austin Woman, The Austin American-Statesman and Working Mother magazine. Read about the Business+Balance Group in the Austin Business Journal (February, 2008):

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/02/25/smallb1.html?b=1203915600%5E1594474