Summary
The Explore It programme offers support to women who are at the pre-start (idea stage) or early stage of trading in their business.
Eligibility criteria
You must
- Have a business idea and wish to create a business from your idea (the business can be part time).
- Be at pre-start/idea stage (i.e. no sales yet) OR early stage trading (e.g. started in past 6 months or trading a longer time period but more as a hobby or side-line)
- Be able to commit to attend the training dates.
- Be/come a member of Women in Business. The cost of annual membership is £80 + VAT. (Other options are available, please see Membership | Women in Business NI).
Other criteria
- Participants must be over 18 years of age.
- Participants must be the business owner/founder/partner.
- You must reside or have a business address in Northern Ireland.
- Other criteria may be added if there is a high level of applicants.
Additional information
Support will be delivered over a 5 month period allowing time to action some of the programme learnings. Training will address a wide range of business start-up issues and help to build confidence and grow business skills.
What’s involved?
- Business start training | 2 x full day in person training days & 2 half day online workshops to cover everything you need to know about starting and developing your business idea. Delivered by experienced female trainers. Workshops will be practical and you will work a lot in groups to build your peer network and to support each other in the development of your business ideas.
- Digital Marketing training | 2 x half day online workshops to ensure you get found online. This will be delivered by a specialist digital marketing consultant.
- Peer advisory groups | 3 x evening time meet ups with your group to brainstorm ideas with support from 3-4 experienced business women. 2 x meet ups will be on zoom and the final one will be in person.
- Buddy support | 8 x hours of 11 support with a business mentor or specialist mentor to focus on your specific issues.
- 4 months of ongoing support | A dedicated coordinator who will direct and support you and an online private group for discussion and advice
The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 11 October 2024.