Empowering Female Entrepreneurs: UWS Launches Innovative Programme

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The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is poised to launch a pioneering new initiative aimed at providing support for female entrepreneurs in Renfrewshire. This award-winning programme, developed in collaboration with Robert Gordon University and University of Stirling, has received a substantial £83,000 funding boost from the Pathways Pre-start Fund. The primary objective of this project is to assist women with parental responsibilities in initiating their own business ventures.

Originating from Robert Gordon University and launched in 2021 in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, this innovative programme has already offered valuable support to 69 women who are considering entering entrepreneurship while managing their parental responsibilities. Notably, the programme was honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Business Engagement award at The Herald Higher Education Scotland Awards earlier in 2023.

Over the course of seven weeks, participants will take part in online, interactive workshops specifically designed to guide them through the essential steps of establishing a viable and customer-centric business. This hands-on approach aims to nurture entrepreneurial skills and aid women in realising their business ideas.

Lorraine Quinn, Head of Division (Marketing, Innovation, Tourism & Events) at UWS, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the university’s dedication to empowering women in Renfrewshire and providing them with the necessary resources to bring their business visions to fruition.

Furthermore, Ibiyemi Omeihe, Lecturer in Enterprise at UWS, stressed the significance of the collaboration with RGU and University of Stirling in delivering this transformative programme in Renfrewshire. She also highlighted the importance of addressing gender disparities in entrepreneurship and creating a supportive environment for women to cultivate their entrepreneurial aspirations.

UWS is fully committed to harnessing this innovative partnership to foster a culture of enterprise and equip women with the tools they need to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. The university takes pride in being part of this initiative and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on the entrepreneurial landscape in Renfrewshire.

In an effort to contribute to a flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem, UWS is proud to spearhead this pioneering project, further demonstrating its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and empowering women in business throughout Renfrewshire. With this new initiative, UWS is paving the way for a brighter future in which women are prepared and empowered to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship.

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