Empower: Female Founders

Empower is a six-week programme designed specifically for Female Founders.

This programme will enable women like you to embark on an entrepreneurial journey to discover your values and strengths, while boosting your creativity and resilience, and equipping you with all the knowledge and know-how to start your own business.

Each week we will explore different elements of business start-up and hear from successful female founders spanning various industries. We will hear their inspiring stories and learn from the journey they took to get to where they are today.

Each session takes place on a Tuesday from 10am-12.30pm, starting 23 January 2024.

Programme schedule:

Week 1: 23 January – Purpose: Your why, values, mindset, and self-reflection.
Guest speaker: Carla Watkins, Carla Watkins Visual Magic Maker

Week 2: 30 January – Goals and resilience: Setting goals, building resilience, and creating heathy habits.
Guest speakers: Laura Mathias, Diversity and Inclusion Campaigner and Maria Reid, Women in Business Coaching

Week 3: Business Models and Market Research: Build a business model, types of market research and understanding your consumer journey.
Guest speaker: Kathryn White, Oxford Innovation

Week 4: 14 February - Marketing and Branding: Building your branding and understanding your marketing strategy.
Guest speaker: Dr Jessica Houlihan, Constellation Marketing

Week 5: 20 February - Finance, Growth, and Investment: Financial know-how, investment readiness and how to grow and scale your business.
Guest speaker: Janet Joy, The Finance Mode and Frances Spooner, Marriott Harrison

Week 6: 27 February - Pitching: Prepare to pitch for funding, explore pitch decks and how to utilise constructive feedback.
Guest speaker: Stephanie Aldridge, Innovate UK

After completion of all six weeks, participants will have the chance to pitch their business ideas to win a share of £1,000 to develop the business idea.

The pitching event will be held on Tuesday 5 March 2024.

You must attend all six weeks of the programme to be eligible to pitch for funding.

Please note: All sessions will be held in person in Studio X.

Please complete the application form to be considered for the programme, without a complete application you will not be eligible to attend the sessions. Spaces are limited to 25 participants, and you will be contacted to inform you of the outcome.