The University of Southampton Science Park announces the return of the Women’s Entrepreneurs Workout, a two-day business support initiative specifically designed for female founders in science, digital, and technology businesses across the South of England.
Scheduled for 6th and 7th March, this event offers a unique opportunity for female entrepreneurs to enhance their business skills and connect with industry experts.
Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2022, which attracted participants from diverse sectors like electronic vehicles, fin tech, health tech, app development, and educational tools, the Women’s Entrepreneurs Workout aims to empower women in entrepreneurship. Aligned with the upcoming International Women’s Day on 8th March, themed on inspiring inclusion, this programme invites applications from aspiring and established female entrepreneurs.
Practical Business Support for Entrepreneurs
The event is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals, encompassing aspects such as business models, value propositions, customer segmentation, channels for customer acquisition, and revenue streams. Participants engage in hands-on exercises, applying theoretical concepts to their business concepts. The programme concludes with an opportunity for founders to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts, gaining valuable feedback on their proposals.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the Women’s Entrepreneurs Workout serves as a potential pathway to the Science Park’s Catalyst business accelerator. Commencing annually in September, this fully-funded six-month programme offers world-class mentoring, workshop-style learning, and integration into the Science Park’s innovation community.
Partnership for Success
Delivered in collaboration with SETsquared, a successful partnership of universities in the South and South West, the programme leverages the extensive experience of trainers and mentors. SETsquared has played a pivotal role in providing business and innovation support to tech start-ups and scale-ups, assisting members in raising £4.4bn since 2002.
Serena Giaminardi, Head of Programmes and Investment at SETsquared, underscores the importance of supporting female founders, citing the gender disparity in equity investment. She comments, “We want to start closing this gap. We are passionate about supporting female founders and believe that budding entrepreneurs from any background should not face barriers to starting a business.”
Encouraging Diversity and Inclusivity
Robin Chave, CEO of Southampton Science Park, expresses enthusiasm about welcoming another cohort of talented women, highlighting the positive feedback from the previous year. He also encourages applications from women of all backgrounds, emphasizing inclusivity, including ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+, and women with disabilities.
Fully funded by the University of Southampton Science Park, the Women’s Entrepreneurs Workout invites applications until 28th February. Female entrepreneurs with tech, science, or innovation ideas, whether sole traders or running early-stage businesses, are encouraged to apply through the SETsquared website.
