What is the Inspiring Women Programme?

This programme is a FREE package of support delivered through webinars, in-person seminars and 121 advice and guidance (via zoom), over a 6-month period. The commitment required on average is around 1 day every 2 weeks on a Thursday, including work outside of scheduled webinars/ seminars.  Our next course will run from 6th February 2025 - 3rd July 2025.

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This is a great opportunity to develop your business knowledge and skills, improve your confidence and get your business up and running!

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Topics covered include:

 

• Exploring & developing your business model

• Carrying out market research effectively

• Digital marketing & selling online

• Understanding financial costs and expenses- how much is needed to make a profit

• Building confidence

• Your personal and business wellbeing

• Understanding the legal requirements of running a business

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What previous participants say

“When I applied for the Inspiring Women Start Up Programme I already had a really good understanding of where I wanted to get to in terms of very bespoke fitting of pointe shoes. It’s quite an unusual business and I had a little bit of a business background so I knew basically what I needed to do, but I really didn’t have the detailed knowledge and the self-discipline to put that into practice.

 

The programme has really joined those dots for me, it’s made sure that I completely understand about the finances and keeping records as well as understanding my market and making sure that I am watching out for my competitors. Also it taught me to never lose sight of the strategy and the bigger picture. The course tackled what were for me more challenging and scary things like digital marketing - we had some very good sessions on how you market yourself online – which is very important for my target clients who are all in their 20s and early 30s.”  Eleanor Hogg, Unique Fitting Pointes

 

Check out what 2023 participant, Juliet Saffrey says on our You Tube video about how the programme helped her get her virtual assistant business started - Jewels VA.

 

"The course webinars, together with the Adviser’s guidance, have given me the structure and accountability I needed to give some "life" to my ideas. This was helped by the regular meetings, the detailed feedback  on homework as well as the tools and tips given throughout the sessions ranging from legal guidance, practical marketing tools to rate calculators. In a nutshell it gave me a great structured starting point for my business together with heaps of confidence validating that I am on the right path with my new journey.”  Nadia Zammal​

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“I wanted something that suits my needs. The programme gave me the chance to make new friends and learn new skills such as using social media without apprehension – it also gave me hope that I can create a sustainable business despite economic changes. The support from listening to others has been great and I leave sessions feeling inspired and energised to do things and the tasks or 'homework' kept me focused and guided.” Placida Ojinnaka​

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“I am so grateful for the opportunity be on the course and all I have gained from the webinars. The one to one advice session with the Business Adviser topped it, as I now have a much clearer knowledge of where I am going. All the help and support I got with my event management venture was really valuable – and thanks to the Business Adviser for taking the time to reboot my motivation!”  Noalline Osbourne

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Interested?

The next Inspiring Women Start Up Programme will commence on 6th February 2025. It is delivered online and via in-person sessions which will be held at the North London Business Hub, Barnet and Southgate College, Southgate N14 6BS. ​If you would like to receive an application form for the Programme, please complete the form below.

 

To apply you must:​

• Be a woman living in one of these boroughs: Enfield, Waltham Forest or Haringey

• Have a business idea and be thinking of starting a business

• Not have already registered your business as a sole trader with HMRC or at Companies House

• Be able to commit to the 6-month period of the course - and attend all the in-person and virtual session dates below:

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In-person seminars at the Business Hub:

6th February: Setting the Scene

13th February: My Business Model

3rd April: The Digital Marketplace: Strategies for Online Presence and Selling

24th April: Making a Video to Market Your Business

12th June:  AI in Action: Elevating Your Marketing Game (and Digital Q & A)

19th June: My Business Model Development

 

Webinars:

6th March: Finance and Tax

20th March: Market Research and Your USP, Marketing Plan and Selling

8th May: Legal Considerations

22nd May: Top Tips for Going Green

 

Final in-person session at West Lodge Park Hotel:

Thursday 3rd July: Bringing it All Together, Next Steps seminar.  And in the afternoon: a Graduation Celebratory Lunch at the West Lodge Park Hotel.

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