Move over corner store, there’s a new mom-and-pop venture on the rise. In fact, there are several. According to the American Family Business Survey, couples are increasingly taking the plunge and going into business together. Co-preneurship — as it is beginning to be called — is one of the fastest-growing segments of emerging small businesses in the United States today. Four co-preneuring couples give their two cents on working together.

TEST THE WATERS

Jeffrey McGrew and his wife, Jillian Northrup started Because We Can, a Bay Area building and design firm. McGrew recommends that couples “start working together prior to starting the business. Even if it’s on something that’s a hobby.”

Who’s the Boss?

Just as power struggles will weaken a relationship, so too will they wreak havoc in the office. Heather McGarrigle, who runs a small business association in New Hampshire with her husband Ed, recommends that couples be “partners and not boss and employee.” 

To Each Her Own

Stuart McDonald and Samantha Brown — the masterminds behind www.travelfish.org, a website devoted to Southeast Asian travel — each have individual responsibilites within the business. McDonald explains, “Our areas of expertise are quite different, so there are rarely problems.” McDonald adds, “Separate rooms to work in are close to essential.”

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Seasoned veterans, the McGarrigles, take it a step further: “Nothing wrong with a little bit of separate vacationing!” Heather asserts. Ed, who was away on a fishing trip at time of interview, was not available to comment.

Separation Anxiety

Jennifer and Stephen Bebb run Bebb Studios, a photography company in Vancouver, Canada. Jen admits, “The biggest challenge we face is not letting business issues spill over into our personal life.” Heather McGarrigle also admits, “It’s easy to fall into the rut of talking, talking, talking about work.” 

And in the End

While these couples acknowledge that working together is a difficult course to navigate, each feels enormously lucky that they are able to do so. In closing, Northrup advises, “It takes tons of hard work, energy, and the desire to have great communication. But then, what doesn’t?”