International Women’s Day on 8 March will set the scene for a bumper month of impactful events, headlined by inspiring speakers and industry experts – all giving their time to ensure that the flag for enterprising ambition flies high amongst Lanarkshire’s female population.

The month-long events programme has been designed and developed by Lanarkshire Women In Business (LWIB), a partnership initiative led by North and South Lanarkshire Councils, Business Gateway Lanarkshire, New College Lanarkshire and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).  It follows a successful year-long pilot that tested and confirmed the appetite for female focused business support in Lanarkshire.

Seven planned events will be held digitally and are open to women at all stages of the business journey, from pre-start through to going concern. The events also cater for women working in business with aspirations for personal and professional growth.  Announced events so far include:

• LWIB Launch Event (International Women’s Day) – 8 March (9.30-11am)
• Mastering the Art of Self-Confidence – 15 March (10am-12pm)
• The Female Entrepreneur – How to start a business from scratch - 17 March (6-8pm)
• Championing Digital:  Opportunities for self-employment and business growth – 23 March (10.30-12.30pm)
• Leadership Matters: Empowering Women In Leadership – 31 March (10am-12pm)

Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Depute Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, said: “We are delighted that there is such a strong line up of events taking place for Lanarkshire Women in Business throughout March.

"Offering support for women in business is essential to ensure they continue to have their voices heard.

"These events offer an excellent mix of practical help and advice and the speakers themselves will be able to give tremendous insight into how to make your business as successful as possible.”

Cllr Heather Brannan-McVey, Convener of the Housing and Regeneration Committee, North Lanarkshire Council: “March is essentially a ‘statement of intent’, registering our collective need to ensure women play a more active and equitable role in Lanarkshire’s economy.

"Planned activities over the month will spotlight that effort and galvanize our resolve to do better. Our speaker line-up is packed full of positive role models, top level insights and advice borne out of years of combined industry experience. The willingness of speakers to participate and give back to support aspiring and existing Lanarkshire businesswomen is truly inspiring in itself.”

Beyond March, LWIB plans to introduce regular learning and networking events. These will be rotated across the Lanarkshire area from May onwards.  Feasibility work is also being undertaken to introduce a suite of group-based mentoring, coaching and leadership development programmes across Lanarkshire, exclusively for women. This support will complement and extend existing mainstream support channels for start-up and growth businesses led by women.

Launch attendees will also be first in line to hear about a new start-up grant of up to £2,500, designed to help fund the costs associated with getting a new business venture off the ground.

Roz Taylor, Operations Director, Business Gateway Lanarkshire: “Lanarkshire is home to thousands of inspiring women. Some have yet to realise their potential, others are at the beginning of their business journey, and many are already achieving their goals in the business world.   

“Jam-packed with informative sessions to boost your knowledge and your confidence, Lanarkshire Women in Business Month is a fantastic opportunity to invest in your self-development – for free.”