Funding awarded for women's business networking scheme

The Women2Web project, a series of free networking sessions designed to encourage female business owners and entrepreneurs in the area, applied for the funding through the Department of Culture, Media and sport’s Superfast Broadband Challenge fund.

Worcestershire County Council applied for the funding in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Midwest Rural Enterprise Network, and WiRE.

As well as the sessions, the scheme is also offering free training and one to one mentoring for women wanting to start up new businesses, or help their existing companies to grow.

Nicky Morgan, minister for women, said: “This fund will give women the practical help needed to get their businesses on-line and take advantage of superfast broadband. This will include mentors, business clubs and training courses so that women all over the country can benefit.”

Councillor Simon Geraghty, cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, added: "This is a fantastic, free opportunity for female business owners across the county to access tailored workshops and training sessions to help support their business growth and understand the benefits that superfast broadband can have on their business.

"For those women who are thinking about starting their own business, it will give them the basics and help equip them with the knowledge they need to make their business dreams a reality."

There will be a networking session at Droitwich Library on Tuesday, October 22 from 4-6pm, where women can also learn how to set up an online business, create and maintain a website, likely to attract visitors through internet search engines, make the best use of social media in their marketing, and ensure their online security.

To register interest in the project, people should contact Business Central on 0300 1231440 or visit worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/start-up/women-2-web-worcestershire.aspx.