Better Business / Member news
Enterprising Women announces fourth year of applications
Enterprising Women, a renowned business support initiative dedicated to nurturing aspiring women founders, has proudly announced the launch of its fourth annual programme. Spearheaded by SETsquared Bristol, a leading tech incubator affiliated with the University of Bristol and recently lauded as the UK’s premier startup hub by the Financial Times, the initiative aims to bolster gender diversity in entrepreneurship.
With a duration spanning six months, the programme offers a comprehensive array of resources including mentoring, coaching, workshops, online training, and crucial introductions to a vast network of advisers and investors. Enterprising Women operates under full sponsorship from NatWest, facilitating accessibility for participants.
Kimberley Brook, director at SETsquared Bristol, expressed elation at the programme’s continuation, stating, “We’re over the moon to launch Enterprising Women 4.0 with NatWest’s kind support.” Brook highlighted the significant impact of the initiative since its inception in 2020, having supported over 50 women founders in realising their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Enterprising Women has facilitated the growth of a diverse spectrum of businesses, many of which address pressing societal issues such as climate change, social inequality, and online safety. Collectively, supported enterprises have generated an economic impact totalling £23 million, with notable successes including the acquisition of Hedira.
Among the programme’s graduate enterprises is Jack Fertility, the world’s first mail-in sperm test kit offering lab grade analysis results. Lily Elsner, CEO and co-founder of Jack Fertility, lauded Enterprising Women as unparalleled in its holistic support for founders and businesses, urging other programmes to benchmark against it.
Bobbi-Jo O’Gilvie, Co-founder of Circe, an inclusive career platform, emphasised the invaluable nature of a programme tailored towards women and fostering community among female entrepreneurs.
Enterprising Women 4.0 is set to run from October 2024 to March 2025, culminating in a showcase and pitching event in Spring 2025 to honour participants’ achievements. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the launch event on Wednesday June 12 at Engine Shed from 12-2.30pm.
Applications for Enterprising Women are open to early stage founders in the UK who identify as women or non-binary assigned female at birth, spanning tech, tech-enabled, or non-tech startups, business ideas, or side hustles. The deadline for applications is July 31.
Main image: SetSquared, Enterprising Women
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