Enterprising Women Summer Lunch, June 2008

Enterprising Women celebrate with cash boost for businesses

Over 150 business women gathered to celebrate Enterprising Women’s second birthday on 24th June, when a raft of exciting announcements were made aimed at boosting women’s businesses in the region.

The crowning piece of news was that Enterprising Women, the business community for women entrepreneurs www.enterprising-women.org, has agreed a £10m loan fund for its members with partners Lloyds TSB Commercial.

The keynote speech was given by Vandy Massey, CEO of MSA Interactive and winner of the 'IOD East of England Business Woman of the Year 2007' award. She captivated the audience with an engrossing tale of what led her to start up her business, and imparted some real pearls of business wisdom, keenly noted by the audience who were encouraged and enthused by Vandy’s take on business and life.

Bev Hurley, CEO of YTKO, and founder of Enterprising Women, announced this new loan fund for women across the region, looking for funding to start or grow their business. Women will also be able to receive specialist training through a unique market and investment readiness programme, and additional support from a new mentoring programme, also launched at the Enterprising Women birthday celebrations.

Enterprising Women members will be able to apply to borrow up to £30,000 in any one application. Hurley underlined the strength of the offering: ‘This is a £10 million fund, with no hidden extras or penalties, and with up to four year repayment terms. The application process is simple and straightforward. It’s a great source of funding and personal support for women looking to start or expand their business.’

In addition to other news about growth training and networking events, Enterprising Women also revealed that they are holding their first ever Enterprising Women business awards, with ten nomination categories, to recognize and celebrate achievements of business women across the region. The awards ceremony will form the highlight of the gala dinner following the annual Enterprising Women conference taking place later on in the year.

Enterprising Women celebrate with cash boost for businesses

Rating