New workshops launched to help women in business

The workshops are part of the ‘Women Who Do’ programme, which offers free, expert support to all women across Ashfield and Mansfield, who want to explore the possibility of working for themselves, or pursue a new business idea and develop enterprise skills.

Delivered by a team of business mentors from Step Ahead, the workshops are designed to help women recognise skills and qualities they already have, understand how to develop and build a clear business vision and overcome challenges along the way.

Coun Kate Allsop, portfolio holder for economic regeneration at Mansfield District Council, said: “Feedback from the workshops has been very positive. The ‘Women Who Do’ programme is designed to guide and nurture ideas and help women to turn them into concrete business plans.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for them to use expert help and one to one support to develop their skills and confidence and break down barriers to bring about change in their lives.”

The group will now move on to the next level of support and take advantage of the one to one mentoring on offer through the programme.

Coun Jim Aspinall from Ashfield District Council added: “This programme provides crucial support for women embarking on their business journey and draws on the experience of others who have already successfully built their own businesses.

“It provides a solid support network for budding entrepreneurs and helps to turn business ideas into reality. I am delighted the council is able to provide such a high quality programme, which is proving to be very effective and valuable to its participants.”

The Women Who Do Programme is managed by the Ashfield and Mansfield Regeneration Shared Service and is supported by the European Regional Development Fund. Any women needing guidance to consider their enterprising ideas should contact [email protected]