Graduates of the Inspiring Women programme show off their certificates. Joining in the celebration is course facilitator/business adviser Kevan Dunne
Enterprise Enfield’s ‘Inspiring Women’ celebrated their graduation on Wednesday 13th July, having completed the 2022 RSA Trust Inspiring Women Start Up Programme - a 6-month package of support providing participants with the business knowledge, skills and confidence to establish their own businesses. The participants graduated with a celebratory lunch and presentation ceremony held at the luxurious West Lodge Park Hotel.
Enterprise Enfield has been delivering successful business support programmes for women for 15 years and during that time has helped hundreds of women looking to start their own businesses. The participants of the Inspiring Women Start Up Programme, predominantly from Enfield, have benefitted greatly from the programme, which for the first time has been delivered completely online through a range of webinars, along with the expert advice and support from an experienced Business Adviser. All the support is FREE as it is funded by local Enfield-based charity the RSA Trust.
The types of businesses the 17 graduates are planning on launching cover a whole range of sectors, including: wedding accessories; life coaching; personal shopper; online directory for tuition centres; seamstress / sewing teaching; sustainable fashion; PR; children’s events; a food truck; property letting; café; wellbeing workshops; holistic teaching; counselling, community employment support and events co-ordination. Enfield based participant, Placida Ojinnaka, had been looking to set up her own business as a flexible way of working which would suit her disability needs. She joined the programme to develop her business idea - to set up as a self-employed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) consultant – assisting businesses with their recruitment of staff. She said:
“I wanted something that suits my needs. The programme gave me the chance to make new friends and learn new skills such as using social media without apprehension – it also gave me hope that I can create a sustainable business despite economic changes. The support from listening to others has been great and I leave sessions feeling inspired and energised to do things and the tasks or 'homework' kept me focused and guided.”
Noalline Osbourne, who is intending to launch her event planning business Purely Elegant Occasions in September, explains how the programme helped her, “I am so grateful for the opportunity be on the course and all I have gained from the webinars. The one to one advice session with the business adviser topped it, as I now have a much clearer knowledge of where I am going. All the help and support I got with my event management venture was really valuable – and thanks to the business adviser for taking the time to reboot my motivation!”
Nadia Zammal joined the programme to get support with setting up a PR, events and representation consultancy championing boutique vineyards, wineries and other boutique drinks brands. She said, “The programme together with the adviser’s guidance have given me the structure and accountability I needed to give some "life" to my ideas. This was helped by the regular meetings, the detailed feedback on homework as well as the tools and tips given throughout the sessions ranging from legal guidance, practical marketing tools to rate calculators. In a nutshell it gave me a great structured starting point for my business together with heaps of confidence validating that I am on the right path with my new journey.”
During the course participants learn about all aspects of running a business including: planning, financial forecasting, marketing, digital marketing and social media – including making promotional videos. In addition, they have an opportunity to build confidence and gain encouragement and support from the programme adviser as well as their peers. Enterprise Enfield CEO, Despina Johnson said:
“Enterprise Enfield is committed to helping women unlock their potential enabling them to develop their ideas into viable, sustainable businesses. The RSA Trust Inspiring Women Programme is the ideal catalyst for this – empowering women to become enterprise-ready and have the best chance of success. Huge congratulations to all our graduates this year – we are very proud and look forward to hearing about their progress and achievements in the future.”
For more information about the RSA Trust Inspiring Women Start Up Programme or other business support services visit www.EnterpriseEnfield.org or call 020 8443 5457
