Maternity Leave & Business Ownership: What You Need to Know

If you’re a business owner planning a maternity leave, you’ve probably asked yourself:

“How do I actually take time off… without everything falling apart?”

First of all — deep breath. You’re not alone. Planning for mat leave as a founder takes a little extra strategy, but it’s absolutely doable.

Here’s what to think about when building a mat leave plan that works for you and your business.

💰 1. Start with your financial foundation

Figure out what income you’ll need to support yourself during your leave.

Are you eligible for EI or provincial benefits?

Can your business afford to pay you a salary?

Do you have a financial buffer or savings?

Talk to your accountant or bookkeeper to run the numbers. This will help you plan your runway.

📆 2. Give yourself more time than you think

Whether you plan to take 6 weeks or 6 months, start planning early. Aim to begin prep at least 3–6 months in advance.

Block off your leave dates in your calendar

Set expectations with clients, contractors, and your team

Prep content, automations, and handovers in advance

Bonus: You’ll feel way more relaxed if you’re not scrambling in your third trimester.

👥 3. Decide who’s keeping the lights on

Will someone step in for you? Whether it’s a VA, team lead, or co-founder, make sure they have:

✅ Clear responsibilities

✅ Access to key tools/systems

✅ A way to reach you (if you choose)

If you’re a solo founder, consider scaling back to essential services only during this time.

🧠 4. Be kind to your future self

Mat leave as a founder isn’t one-size-fits-all. You might want total unplug time — or a weekly check-in.

Give yourself permission to change your mind.

Motherhood is a wild ride. So is entrepreneurship. But you can make space for both.

Final Thought:

Taking time off doesn’t make you any less dedicated. It makes you human. And smart. And strong enough to know that you, and your business deserve sustainability.

📩 Want help designing your mat leave plan? Let’s build something that supports you and your business.