Aspiring businesswomen will be offered a combination of information and inspiration at an event organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Futures Entrepreneurship Centre at the University of Plymouth.
Taking place on Tuesday 6 June, the day will feature local speakers alongside the FSB’s Chair of Equality and Diversity, Helen Walbey, and Professor Susan Marlow, Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Haydn Green Institute, University of Nottingham.
It follows recent research by the FSB which found that women who want to start their own businesses often under-resource them and are far more cautious of applying for finance. They also lacked female role models.
However, the research also showed that supporting women to start businesses is one of the most effective ways to promote economic growth.
The Plymouth event, titled Women Entrepreneurs – Fulfil Your Potential, will include tips and advice on a range of topics including finance, marketing, mentoring opportunities and planning for the future.
Helen Walbey said:
“Entrepreneurship not only provides a rewarding career for women, it makes a significant contribution to the economy. In the UK just one in five businesses are majority women-led. Research show 2.7 million women currently want to open a business but face challenges that prevent them from doing so. There is a huge opportunity to tap into this potential and drive jobs and growth across every area of the UK.”
Chair of the FSB South Hams Branch, Alison Theaker, said:
“We want to support and inspire women who want to start their own business and who are already doing so. In rural areas women who want to work are faced with problems of poor public transport and expensive child care. Jobs are often low paid. Starting their own business is a real alternative.”
The event will be held at the University’s Mast House, which is home to the Futures Entrepreneurship Centre, and is open to FSB members and non-members.
Dr Haya Al-Dajani, Associate Professor (Reader) in Entrepreneurship and Lead for the Responsible Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation Research Group said:
“With all the uncertainty around us, we are certain about the need for an economy that is thriving energetically and responsibly. Whilst more and more female students are engaging in enterprise education, male students are still more likely to start their own business. We want to encourage everyone with enterprising and innovative ideas to make a real and meaningful contribution to society, and to have a fulfilling work life.”