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Bristol female entrepreneurs showcase innovative startups
A cohort of female entrepreneurs in Bristol have showcased their innovative startups at a pitching event.
The celebration at the Engine Shed marked the end of the Enterprising Women programme, which has been helping 13 women get their businesses to the next stage.
At the event, they pitched their solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, such as food waste, microfibre pollution, stroke rehabilitation and online safety.
Aisha Thomas, whose business Representation Matters supports workplaces to create an inclusive culture, was one of those pitching.
She said: “Starting a business on your own isn’t easy, women in business do not always get the accolades they deserve. Having a network of phenomenal women made my startup experience durable.”
Aisha Thomas is one of 13 enterprising women who took part in the pitching event on February 15 – photo: Hattie Ellis
Enterprising Women, now in its second year, is funded by NatWest and offered by University of Bristol-led tech incubator, SETsquared Bristol.
Cheryl Gourlay, national women in business manager at NatWest, said: “We know that building back better following the pandemic needed to include practical interventions that make a real difference to the success of our business community.
“The Enterprising Women programme has made a huge difference to the women who took part, giving them the tools and confidence to achieve their ambitions.”
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Marty Reid, director of SETsquared Bristol, added: “We’re dedicated to championing diverse startups to make sure they get the opportunities and success they deserve.
“Enterprising Women has enabled us to extend our services beyond our usual focus of tech incubation, to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into commercially viable business propositions.
“It’s been a privilege to work with such a great group of founders and we can’t wait to see where they take their ventures next.”
Previous participants of Enterprising Women include Amber Probyn and Hazel McShane, who together founded PEEQUAL, the UK’s first women’s urinal.
Anyone interested in applying for the next Enterprising Women programme is advised to sign up to receive SETsquared Bristol’s monthly newsletter for the next callout.
Main photo: Hattie Ellis
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