Support on offer for women tycoons

Jan 14 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

FEMALE entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to receive practical tips on business finance at a women only networking event being held to boost business growth in 2008.

Business support organisations NStar Finance & business and the DIONE project (Diversity into networks across Europe) have joined forces to host the event for female entrepreneurs working in early stage science and technology businesses.

Taking place at Newcastle University Business School this Wednesday, January 16, from 9.30 until 12.30, it will provide a bite size insight into the essentials of business finance. Its aim is to encourage women in knowledge-based sectors to expand their small businesses.

Delivered by NStar’s Peter Hiscocks, a lecturer at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School, it will also explore the support available to SMEs through the NStar Finance & business programme and sources of funding available within the North-East.

Jane Reynolds at NStar explains: “Events like this are a great way of passing on knowledge and helping to inspire business development.

“Working with other organisations like DIONE and the Bridge Club helps us to increase our involvement with small businesses in the region and make them aware of the kind of support and funding available for growth.”

Caroline Theobald from Bridge Club Ltd, the networking specialists, added: “Knowledge-based businesses are the future of the region’s economy and female entrepreneurs have a big part to play.

“We need to do all we can to encourage growth in these areas and this is a great opportunity for women starting out to get practical tips that will benefit their business. We’re delighted to be working with NStar.”

NStar Finance & business aims to help companies with growth potential achieve their ambitions through a range of innovative financial support services including training, coaching and mentoring.

The DIONE project is a European-wide initiative that encourages female entrepreneurs in knowledge-based businesses. The partnership is a project between five organisations including Durham Business School; Newcastle City Council; Gdansk Entrepreneurship Foundation (Poland); Zavod Mets (Slovenia) and the University of Malmo.

For more information , visit www.nstarfinanceandbusiness.com or phone (0191) 230-6370.