Women’s Enterprise Scotland has launched a new digital platform designed to support women starting their own business.
The digital Women’s Business Centre is free to access and provides support on key topics such as accessing finance, work-life balance, support networks, mentoring and having start-up ideas taken seriously.
The venture is being supported by Royal Bank of Scotland Back Her Business, a service for start-ups and pre start-ups.
WES chief executive Carolyn Currie said: “A number of studies have already identified women as one of the groups worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. At a time when many women may not return to the jobs they once held, starting up a business can ensure women utilise their skills and play a leading role in Scotland’s economy.”
The launch comes after a GDP decline of 5% in March and 18.9% drop in April suggested Scotland is heading into recession. Since the start of the Covid crisis, mothers are 47% more likely to have permanently lost their job or quit and 14% more likely to have been furloughed, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Susan Fouquier, managing director of Business Banking at RBS, said: “Last year’s Rose Review, led by Royal Bank CEO Alison Rose, highlighted the disparity between male and female entrepreneurs and the £250 billion in untapped potential for the UK economy which could be achieved if the right mix of support is put in place.
“Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to support the creation of the Women’s Business Centre and help address some of the unique challenges faced by Scottish female-led businesses, helping maximise their potential and offer the support to give others the confidence to ask for more and turn their ideas into a reality.”
WES Ambassador Jo Macsween, former CEO of MacSween Haggis, said: “The Women’s Business Centre is a very welcome resource for women thinking about starting up a business. Now, more than ever, in the midst of so much change and uncertainty, women need to be able to access the gender specific support and advice which are so essential when you’re shaping up a business idea and getting started.
“This digital platform is a fantastic resource for women looking at starting up in business, filled with advice, support and relatable role models of other businesswomen.”
