Join us for an interactive discussion round developing an environment which facilitates the growth of women entrepreneurs at Scotland House London or online on Tuesday 12th April.

Understanding the challenges faced by women business owners but also identifying the solutions that will increase the number of women actually setting up a new business is vital to creating a dynamic and vibrant global business community.

In Scotland the stats are significant with women owned businesses totalling 20% of the business base, contributing a staggering £8.8bn into the economy every year. That's more than many of the growth sectors including Food and Drink (£5.6bn); Creative Industries (£4.6bn); Sustainable Tourism (£4.1bn) and Life Sciences (£1.5bn).

However there is a significant untapped potential for women enterprises in Scotland and across the globe.

The Rose Review Progress Report 2022 on female entrepreneurship, published in February 2022, sets out the full extent of progress made in the UK since the inaugural report in 2019. It outlines the extra support needed for female led businesses to thrive, and the challenges that they have faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Rose Review originally highlighted that if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men, up to £250bn of new value could be added to the UK economy. Today’s Progress Report outlines progress made against targets and initiatives but cautions that there is still more to do.

In this session, our fantastic line up will discuss current support available for Women’s Enterprise in Scotland, the gaps and how we can further address the challenges women face in their entrepreneurial journey.

Panel Speakers:

• Prof Lynne Cadenhead – CHAIR, Womens Enterprise Scotland
• Yvonne Yvonne Greeves, Director Women in Business, NatWest Group
• Jacine Rutasikwa, Co-founder, Matugga Distillers Limited
• Deborah Turner - National Policy Lead for Women in Enterprise for the Federation of Small Businesses

In typical SBN fashion, we will also have round up the event with 2 “asks” for support from 2 exceptional women business leaders Angie De Vos The Womens Business Station and Fiona McKinnon, the Moment Company.

Asks:

We invite you to join the conversation, ask questions and provide input to the key areas of discussion to identify clear goals and steps, that could contribute to real change in 2022 and beyond. International scope and diversity will deliver varied thought and perspectives, and generate impactful and innovative solutions.

This hybrid session will take place physically at Scotland House London and you can join us from across the globe to provide your insights and support. We look forward to welcoming you to what we know will be another excellent opportunity to showcase Scotland’s entrepreneurial activity.

Guests can join us on the night in:

London: Scotland House London, 58 Victoria Embankment, Temple, London EC4Y 0DS

Virtually: Live on Zoom

When RSVPing you will have the option to select how you would like to attend - London or Virtual.