Presenting Virgin StartUp Ignition – an event celebrating female entrepreneurs
There’s a sobering figure in the UK business scene: just 19% - less than a fifth – of businesses in the UK are owned by women. Clearly, things need to change.
We know there are amazing would-be female entrepreneurs out there, because we work with them at Virgin StartUp every day. We’ve given away hundreds of loans to businesses all over the UK, and we’re proud to say that 40% of these have gone to businesses owned by women.
This is a start; but not good enough for us. We think it’s time to level the playing field and support all the amazing up-and-coming female entrepreneurs out there.
So, on 19th November 2014 – official Women’s Entrepreneurship Day – we’ll be holding the first Virgin StartUp Ignition, an event for women who want to start their own business, or take their existing start-up to the next level. The world of female entrepreneurship is incredibly diverse and creative; we want to both celebrate this, and to provide the practical advice that gives women the confidence and resources to take their businesses even further.
At the event, held at Snap Studios in London between 9.30 am and 3pm, we’ll be bringing together over 100 new businesses for a day of panels, networking, and inspiration. You’ll hear from some of the UK’s greatest success stories, get one-to-one business support, and make brilliant connections with other female entrepreneurs.
We’ve got a line-up of amazing women who’ll be giving practical advice and sharing the lessons they’ve learnt. These include the UK’s leading child nutrition expert and best-selling author Annabel Karmel; founder of ground-breaking nail art business WAH Nails, Sharmadean Reid; and Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief, Louise Court.
We want to demystify the process of starting a business, explain the resources and support that’s available, and encourage you to take the first step towards your dream. Oh – and give you the chance to mingle with some of the most motivated and exciting female businesses around at the moment! It’s an invaluable chance to move your business forward in a supportive, female-first environment.
Louise Court comments “I’m thrilled to be supporting an event that empowers women and gives them the practical skills to take risks without fearing failure. Promoting female entrepreneurship isn’t just about equality – it makes economic sense, and this event hopes to build confidence and offers real, tangible support to new business owners.”
And Annabel Karmel agrees, adding “It’s an honour to be part of this inspiring event with Virgin StartUp. Having juggled the demands of motherhood with building a thriving enterprise, I’m excited to be sharing my story and advice with an audience of passion-driven women who want to succeed in their own business ventures. This event is Ideal for any women with an inkling to take that first step into starting-up.”
So, here’s a rallying cry to the female entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs of the UK – speak up, make your voice and ideas heard. We’re listening, and we want to support you towards your dream.