Women are half as likely as men to start a business (see www.prowess.org.uk/facts.htm) so we launched a Women’s Enterprise Service several years ago now; read more here.
 
More than half our clients are enterprising women, so we know the issues they face. Business success is often hard-won, so the training and advice we give women is the same high quality, action-centred support we give to all our clients. The difference is that women can request to book a session with a woman adviser. We also run a “women delegates only” seminar for women starters. This may help with confidence, cultural or religious issues. Read more here.

Childcare and other support

Affordable childcare can be a key barrier to starting or growing a business. The Learning Trust in Hackney has good information here. The Trust is expected to launch a new "Children Affordable" support programme in Hackney soon.

We can support parents with a young child who need a meeting at HBV Enterprise Centre. If your child can keep busy with an activity table while you work with an HBV adviser, just book our Child Friendy Interview Room. This room is also available for hire.

HBV’s enterprising women clients can also benefit from free use of HBV's computer room.  It's a quiet and secure place with high speed internet access where you can research and plan your business.

You can read the success stories of some of our women clients on our ‘people like you’ page here.

We are proud to be members of Prowess, the national network supporting the growth of women’s’ business ownership.

©HBV 2010 Page last updated February 2010