There is still time to sign up for a place on an innovative University of West London (UWL) programme, which helps potential women entrepreneurs transform their business aspirations into a reality.
Start-up Enterprise Support for Women is an initiative to empower women to start a successful business. Although women from all backgrounds are welcome, it particularly welcomes those from excluded groups who may not have access to mainstream business support services.
The next programme is due to get underway in September at ActOne Cinema in Acton. Two cohorts of entrepreneurs have already graduated from the 8 week-long programme.
The second cohort celebrated their success at an end of programme event at UWL on 10 July, where they were joined by Councillor Kam Nagpal, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes.
How to succeed in business
The programme is led by UWL’s Westmont Enterprise Hub and funded through money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which was successfully secured by Ealing Council.
It offers interactive in-person sessions at community venues, where attendees will learn how to develop and test their business idea.
Key components of the programme include interactive workshops and networking opportunities. By offering tailored support to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, the programme seeks to foster a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the local community.
‘Help to pursue business dreams’
Councillor Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “It was great to meet some of the women who are being helped by the Westmont Enterprise Hub at UWL and Ealing Council to pursue their dreams of starting a business.
“The participants are provided with the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to navigate the complexities of starting and growing a successful business. The programme is helping us to create an environment where all women, regardless of background, can start a business and fulfil their potential.”
Southall-based Rani Masih is the founder of Christian arts and crafts business Once a Lost Sheep. She took part in the second cohort of the Start-up Enterprise Support for Women programme. She said: “This programme has been transformational for me, and I am indebted to all the incredible people I met throughout the journey. It has given me the tools, knowledge, and confidence to bring my business to life.’’
Angela Kanwar is the hub development manager of the Westmont Enterprise Hub and leads the programme. She said: ‘The focus on supporting women from diverse backgrounds is to develop their business ideas or micro-businesses through interactive sessions: marketing, finances, competition, adaptability and sustainability which culminates in a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitch. By providing such support, the programme not only empowers individual participants but also contributes to the local community and economy in both the short and long term.’’
Take part
The third cohort of the programme commences on Wednesday 11 September, from 10am to 3pm for 8 weeks. If you would like to find out more or apply, please visit the UWL website or contact Angela at westmonthub@uwl.ac.uk.
