Scottish female entrepreneurs given helping hand to upscale their business

Female entrepreneurs are being given a helping hand to upscale their business with the launch of an online event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The event will feature a host of speakers, including the co-founder of Social Bite, Alice Thompson, who is embarking on a new venture as a coach and mentor.

The free event next Wednesday March 3 is being hosted by Business Gateway Edinburgh as it launches its fifth Women in Business (WIB) growth programme.

The event is set to feature a host of speakers, including the co-founder of Social Bite, Alice Thompson, who is embarking on a new venture as a coach and mentor.

Entrepreneur Kristen Hunter, the founder of Whisky Frames who appeared on Dragons’ Den with her husband Ross, will be sharing her story which includes launching her new company, Barrelsmiths, during the first lockdown.

During the event attendees will have the chance to network in breakout rooms.

The six-week programme focuses on growth and financial planning to help women in business build a sustainable and scalable business model and provides practical support in areas including funding, productivity and leadership.

International Women’s Day, which is officially on March 8, started in 1911 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

Thompson said: “Being invited by Business Gateway Edinburgh to speak at this year’s International Women’s Day event is a real honour.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the story of my career, including the highs and lows and my plans for the future, which includes mentoring and coaching growth businesses, which is an area I’m very passionate about.

“Also, any opportunity to network with likeminded women and share stories, resources and tips will always be high up on my priority list.”

City of Edinburgh councillor Kate Campbell said: “I’m really looking forward to our International Women’s Day event this year where we will hear inspiring stories from our guest speakers and celebrate the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs in the city.

“It’s such a great opportunity for us to bring women together to network at a time when many businesses need it most.

“The feedback we have always received from participants who have completed our WIB programme is that spending time and learning from other businesses is one of the highlights.”

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