An event organised by Dorset Gateway in collaboration with BU and BCP Council was held to hear from some of Dorset's brightest female founders and co-founders. Attendees came to discover the range of support on offer to help their business flourish.
Dr Lois Farquharson, Executive Dean at Bournemouth University’s Business School, hosted a Q&A session with an all female panel. NatWest and Dorset Growth Hub provided guidance on how to access finance and grant support. In particular, the newly launched 'Female New Business Grant'.
Dr Farquharson, commented, “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to showcase the inspirational stories of four women entrepreneurs today. It's crucial that we recognise the significant contribution that talented women entrepreneurs make to the economy and that strong support is provided to aid their future development and growth.”
Members of the panel included:
- Kelly Butler, Co-Founder & Agency Director at Podcast Labs
- Gina Felce, Chief Operating Officer & Co-founder at Talewind
- Sophie Parsons, Director - Aetha Design Studio
- Emma Worrollo, Influencer, content creator and writer at Playful Den
Dorset Gateway secured funding from NatWest Business to help support women entrepreneurs, through delivering specific business support workshops, such as new product design and Intellectual Property. In addition, the funding which Dorset Gateway have secured, allows them to support 18 women who are looking to set up their own business, with a £1,000 start-up grant.
To boost this offering, Dorset Gateway has partnered with Dorset Growth Hub to deliver:
18 grants of £2,000 to women who registered their business less than one year ago and are looking to grow their business quickly and would like a grant towards capital equipment, marketing (digital or consultancy).
This grant is on a first come first served basis. https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/grants
