Realise, is a unique development programme specifically tailored to meet the needs of local self-employed women. The first programme of its kind in Shetland, it offers local female business owners the opportunity to receive 1:1 mentoring, as well as peer support from like-minded business owners with sessions every four to six weeks. These will cover topics based on the group’s needs and could include confidence, networking, self-promotion, self-care and change making conversations.
The course will also focus on how to effectively utilise digital platforms to build and grow a business, while the entire programme will be delivered virtually through Zoom.
W-Power works with women entrepreneurs in sparsely populated areas across Northern and Arctic communities, encouraging them to set-up, develop and grow their businesses. The project will achieve this through capacity building and providing opportunities for transnational learning as well as creating and piloting a gender-aware business support concept.
Unst-based fused glass maker, Cheryl Jamieson, owner of Glansin Glass is one of the participants taking part in the pilot.
Cheryl said: “I first heard about the Realise programme through my local Business Gateway adviser and through my involvement in the W-Power Project. Following my participation in business support groups in the past, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to engage and learn from other female business owners across Shetland.
“Businesses around the islands are still facing challenges due to COVID-19, so it’s really valuable to have a space for Shetland’s female business community that lets us come together to share advice and experiences as we look to grow our businesses.”
Kirsten Nicolson, Business Gateway, said: “We know that COVID-19 has significantly impacted opportunities for women, so our aim with this programme is to help female entrepreneurs and address some of their concerns. Through Realise, the participants will have a space to build valuable connections, discuss best practices and learnings and ultimately grow their businesses.
“Everyone will have access to a variety of support across a range of topics, and there will be an emphasis on how to use digital platforms to their full potential. DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital training programme, delivered by Business Gateway, has become a critical tool for businesses during the pandemic, and all the participants will be signposted to its services to help them take advantage of technology, improve productivity, and increase resilience Elizabeth Johnson from the Pure Energy Centre said “I am very pleased that, as partners in the W-Power Project we are able to work with the Business Gateway to deliver this pilot programme, which we hope will be highly beneficial to the women involved”
For more information about how Business Gateway can support your business, please get in touch and for more information about W Power and Pure Energy Centre please visit http://w-power.interreg-npa.eu/ or www.pureenergycentre.com.