Mum’s the word

Elaine Gilligan. (Supplied). 246563_01

A Point Cook entrepreneur has been named a state finalist in this year’s AusMumpreneur Awards.

The awards, presented by The Women’s Business School, recognise Australian mothers in business who achieve outstanding success in areas such as product development, customer service and digital innovation.

Elaine Gilligan, who established The Point Cook Handmade Market last year, has been announced as a finalist in the retail business category for Victoria and Tasmania.

Ms Gilligan, a mother of two, is also in the running to receive a local community business “Making a Difference” award.

The Point Cook Handmade Market is a website that operates as a virtual craft market for the Wyndham area, connecting craft businesses which are predominantly operated by “mumpreneurs”.

The website, which is run on a membership basis, allows community members to look through all the businesses.

The site’s members vary from established businesses that found themselves without access to craft markets during the pandemic to new businesses created by mums who found themselves at home, with no income, during lockdowns.

The market has more than 85 businesses as members.

Ms Gilligan said she was “delighted” to be a finalist.

“When locals say ‘I never knew we had so many talented locals’, it demonstrates to me that my mission has been successful.”

The winners of the 2021 AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced at an online event in September. Details: www.ausmumpreneur.com.