Supporting Women In Business

From June 2008 to June 2009, InBiz engaged with 1765 women in discussions about starting their own business, supported and advised 1014 women in setting up their business idea and successfully supported 544 women in starting their business.

Self-employment opportunities are attractive to women of all ages, but particularly women returning to work and lone parents because of the flexibility which can be offered. Over the last few years, hundreds of unemployed people who came through our doors for advice on setting up a business have been women.

The proportion of women going into business is increasing. However, there are still many women in the informal economy who may be working in their community who haven’t been recognised for their enterprise yet are very innovative people. Women must realise that if they are juggling different elements in their lives such as caring, family responsibilities and housekeeping, they already have significant skills that are very well suited to running their own business.

Self-employment is not an option to be undertaken lightly, but it can nevertheless provide satisfaction, freedom, financial reward and a sense of achievement. Most women do not do it for the money, but because they want to be in control of their own destiny and see the impact of their own actions.

Many women have had significant personal issues to overcome and sometimes starting up a business is mostly about personal achievement.

One example of the many women InBiz have supported into business is Celia, from Durham. Celia was keen to find work in the creative crafts industry. Having struggled for a long time to find a job which met her requirements, she made the decision to launch her own craft based business so she could pursue her ambition.

Launching a business can be a daunting prospect, and in particular the first few months are vital to business success. InBiz provided Celia with useful advice, enthusiasm and lots of encouragement, all of which are essential to get through the crucial first months, and she now runs a successful mobile pottery business.

Celia’s new career choice means she travels to customer’s homes and schools, hosting craft sessions. As well as giving her a huge sense of achievement and job satisfaction, Celia is enjoying the variety that her new business provides, and in her own words ‘‘every day is a new and exciting challenge!’’

Celia is looking forward to completing test-trading, and hopes to develop her business by opening a ‘’ceramic café’’ which will offer crafts and refreshments for her customers.

Click here to see how Anna and Vicky received the help they needed to start their business.

With our help, you’ll soon realise that you can be your own boss and take control of your life. Where possible, we can provide female business advisers to give you the ongoing support to get your business off the ground. For more information, contact your nearest InBiz office.