Datenbank der Projekte zur ländlichen Entwicklung

An innovative project that supported the business creation and enhancement potential of women by offering business support, mentoring, training. It has resulted in the creation of sustainable business networks run by women in the Dartmoor area.

The Women Do Business programme responds to the needs of women in Devon who run or want to set up their own business. They need support, development and networking opportunities offered by the project.

To support both new and existing women-owned businesses by providing a package of locally-delivered, women-friendly training and support, with an emphasis on key skills and techniques to survive and grow in the current difficult economic climate; and to provide an improved supplier network through facilitating collaboration among women-owned businesses in the Greater Dartmoor Area.

The project was managed by the Community Council of Devon, and funded through the Greater Dartmoor and South Devon Coastal LAGs. The main activities comprised business support and training: 79 micro enterprises were supported; 441 days of training were provided by the project; and 148 women received business support.

"Women Do Business In Greater Dartmoor" supported five women’s business networks, serving almost 100 women and also operated the first Women’s Business Centre to be established in Southwest England. The project provided bespoke business support and mentoring for women who did not feel catered for by the standard business advice service. The networks are still in place and are intending to continue even now that the project has ended.

Women are an engine for business creation in rural areas but they often lack the required business support and networks. Projects like this can unlock women's potential and promote local development opportunities. A key success factor was also confidence boosting to a group of women to be able to start businesses.

Devon, Southwest England

South West (England)

England

113 317

62 041

https://www.greaterdartmoorleaf.org

Sophia May

sophia@ruraldevon.org

00 44 1837 658643

English