Shelley Copsey’s Post

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Barclays' £50 Million Investment in the Women’s Taskforce I'm thrilled to share that Barclays has committed £50 million to support female entrepreneurs through its new Women’s Taskforce initiative. This powerful move aims to remove the barriers women face in accessing funding and business support, with a special focus on increasing representation and fostering growth in women-led businesses across the UK. This is an incredible opportunity, locally thinking for Scottish female entrepreneurs, who will now have greater access to funding, mentoring, and networking resources. The support will help break down the financial and structural obstacles that often prevent women from scaling their businesses, creating more inclusive and sustainable opportunities for growth. Barclays' support on this initiative is designed to inspire confidence, providing the resources needed to elevate women entrepreneurs, not only in the south of England but all across the UK—including in Scotland. By collaborating with local organizations, accelerators, and funding networks, this initiative has the potential to significantly impact the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Scotland, where women-led startups are poised for success. Learn more about the initiative LINK: https://lnkd.in/eG7nRqfD Let's continue to push for progress and support each other in creating a more inclusive and equal business world. #WomenInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneurs #InclusiveGrowth #Barclays #ScottishEntrepreneurs

Did you know that 40% of all new startups in the UK are founded by women? That's the same figure as in the US. Impressive, right? BUT... Only 2% of investments in the UK go to female-led companies. Compare this to 23% in the US. Two years post-COVID, Pip and I are strategizing the next stage of FRAME's journey. After 15 years of navigating the full gamut of funding options—bank loans, angels, and private equity—we've noticed that the investment landscape hasn't evolved much. In many respects, it seems to have gone backwards. Why is this happening? ❌ Is it because women aren’t starting companies? Nope, that’s clearly not the case. 💸 Is it because female entrepreneurs (and SMEs) have trouble accessing funding? Bingo! Imagine the boost to the economy if female-led companies received more investment! So, what’s the solution? 🌟 Create more opportunities for female entrepreneurs and investors to connect 📣 Share more stories of successful female founders 🤝 Implement mentorship programs specifically for female entrepreneurs 📊 Encourage policy changes to incentivize investments in female-led startups 💪 Support more female angel investors 🌐 Foster networks and communities for female entrepreneurs By doing this, we can inspire and guide the next generation of female entrepreneurs. 💡What have I missed? Lastly a massive shout out to all the champions supporting female entrepreneurs.

Empowering Women-Led Small Businesses: Strengthening Invisible Bonds Small businesses led by women are not just economic entities but pillars of community resilience and growth. Across industries, from tech startups to artisanal crafts, these businesses contribute not only to local economies but also foster a sense of community and connection. Recognizing the pivotal role of women entrepreneurs is crucial in advancing sustainable economic development and social cohesion. Women-led small businesses often face unique challenges, from access to finance and markets to navigating societal expectations. Despite these obstacles, they continue to innovate and drive change. By supporting their growth and resilience, we not only empower individual entrepreneurs but also […] #Businesses #Women >>>>> Full article in the link below

Join the Financial Women's Association Women's Assocation's "Everything You Wanted to Know About Angel Investing" event on July 17th! Curious about angel investing? Wonder how it can elevate your startup or how to become an angel investor? This event is for you! Hear from experts on the current landscape of angel investing, its critical role in the U.S. economy, its significance for female entrepreneurs, and tips for finding and pitching to investors. Don't miss it. Register here: https://lnkd.in/efGRG3di #WomeninFinance #WomeninBusiness #AdvancingWomen #AngelInvesting #WomeninBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #WomenInTech #InvestorInsights #FWAPanel

I've just read the news that the Australian federal government’s only program for female startup founders will not continue after internal analysis determined more than $35 million in direct grants and mentoring had no “measurable impact." Are they sure? Impact for whom? I’ll bet it had a huge impact for the female founders who received the grants and mentoring. Given the dearth of VC and Angel investment that female founders typically receive, what's next for bringing any semblance of parity to this space? Granted, I'm lying in bed with the flu, but I'm so feverish that I've forgotten the quite measurable statistics, which clearly illustrate that startups led by women generate 78 cents of revenue per dollar invested, compared to 31 cents for male-led startups. #Impact. It's high time we recognise and support the unique challenges and opportunities that female entrepreneurs bring to the table. What's the next step towards true equality in funding and support? More to the point, what is the plan for replacing the Boosting Female Founders Initiative. This female founder wants to know. #FemaleFounders #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #GenderEquality #VC #AngelInvesting

It’s great to see the impact the Investing in Women Code is having on female entrepreneurs in the UK. The latest report shows that 32% of all venture capital deals made by signatories went to female-founded businesses, outperforming the market average. With over 250 organisations now committed to this cause, there’s real traction behind creating a more #inclusive investment space for women-led businesses. Read more key findings: https://lnkd.in/etnjhSvQ Jenny Tooth OBE Louis Taylor David Raw CBE Theodora Hadjimichael Michael Moore #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #VentureCapital #Diversity

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: The Evolution of Women Entrepreneurs in Maryland "Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, especially for women. As Dr. Tammira Lucas pointed out, it's not just about talking—it's about action and accountability." This was the energy behind the powerful panel discussion featuring: Jasmine A. Clemons Martha P. Jimenez. M.B.A. Samantha Scott, PhD Moderated by Dr. Tammira Lucas Key Insights from the Discussion: 1️⃣ Access to Capital Remains a Barrier Women-led businesses, especially minority-owned, face significant funding gaps. Strategies like grant opportunities, pitch competitions, and leveraging innovative tax incentives (e.g., Maryland's biotech tax credit) were highlighted as ways to bridge the gap. 2️⃣ Support Networks and Ecosystems Matter A thriving ecosystem is built on collaboration. Programs like accelerators and incubators provide not just resources but also connection, breaking the isolation many women entrepreneurs face. 3️⃣ Balancing Life and Leadership Childcare and eldercare challenges disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs. Advocacy for policy changes and creative business solutions, like co-working spaces with childcare, are essential to alleviate this burden. The panelists inspired action with their stories and strategies, reminding us that the journey of entrepreneurship is about perseverance, innovation, and community. 💡 What does a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem look like to you? How can we better support women entrepreneurs in Maryland? Let’s keep this vital conversation going! Share your thoughts below. #TEDCOExpo #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship

This is for all women investing in and building startups across the UK. Barclays and The Entrepreneurs Network are currently undertaking research for the next Female Founders Forum report. - Repost and share to reach all voices. In this year’s report, they are exploring the opportunities and challenges for female angel investors in the UK. Throughout October, They are hosting a series of roundtables across the UK to feed into this research. This will cover: Regional challenges in angel investing The impact of angel syndicates, groups, and co-investment funds in supporting female entrepreneurs and investors across different regions. Strategies to increase women's participation in angel investing through improved support programs and policy changes Bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and investors   The roundtables are open to both male and female angel investors, female entrepreneurs who have been backed by angels, and those actively interested in becoming angel investors. The insights from the regional roundtable discussions will help inform the research and policy recommendations for the Government’s work on supporting angel investing among women.   If you want to have a seat at the table sign up below:   Newcastle: Monday, 7 October 2024, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Maybrook House, Newcastle upon Tyne - https://lnkd.in/ehtUFVxe Edinburgh: Tuesday, 8 October 2024, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, CodeBase, Edinburgh - https://lnkd.in/e9cwZs-x Birmingham: Tuesday, 15 October 2024, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, 6 Brindley Pl, Birmingham - https://lnkd.in/erqTQnd4 London: Tuesday, 22 October 2024, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, 1 Churchill Place, London - https://lnkd.in/eMmRftKS Belfast: Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Ormeau Baths, Belfast - https://lnkd.in/e--xj54k investHER-UK, Roxane Sanguinetti, Hannah Bernard OBE, Juliet Gouldman,Natalie Ojevah MBE, Emmie Faust, Alma Angels, HERMESA, Angel Academe - increasing female investment, UK Business Angels Association, Deepali Nangia, Jenny Tooth OBE, Emma Sinclair MBE, Emma Wright, Marla Shapiro, Ella Goldner (Levy),

As the Business Development and Marketing Lead at Dorthnoch Ltd, I am aware of the unique challenges that come with being a female entrepreneur. Securing investment to scale up, building business resilience, and balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the additional responsibilities at home, can be challenging. These challenges require not only strategic thinking but also the ability to navigate a landscape that may not always recognize or support the value women bring to business. The WETP program on Access to Finance has given me a deeper understanding of my business's current growth stage, which has allowed me to identify my weaknesses and broaden my perspective on how to go about scaling up effectively. Another illuminating insight was on why women often fail at fundraising applying. This has made me very conscious about being prepared with the right information and data when planning to leverage funding opportunities. I am now applying this knowledge to seek tailored investments to strengthen our business strategies. I am also actively networking with other women entrepreneurs, drawing on our shared experiences and this collaborative approach not only enhances our business's potential but also contributes to the broader community of female business owners, reinforcing the importance of support and solidarity in overcoming the challenges we face. Read more about GCIC’s WETP at this link: https://lnkd.in/duqq_Rfn Queenstar Nsakie #FemaleEntrepreneur #ClimateChange #PFSProgramme #BMZ #GermanCooperation #Sustainability #ClimateEntrepreneur #GhanaClimateChange #GreenBusiness #WETP

Are you a female entrepreneur or business owner? The Council for Investing in Female Entrepreneurs has launched a new resource designed to help you access the finance you need to start, grow, and scale your business. The Invest in Women Hub is designed as a one-stop shop that provides the resources and information you need. 💸 The hub has a ‘Find a Finance Provider’ tool 💸 Includes business incubators, accelerators, and venture capitalists 💸 Can help you to connect with networks 💸 or find a mentor. £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men. The new hub aims to help female entrepreneurs do just that. For more information, see: https://iiwhub.com #womenledbusiness #womeninbusiness #businessfinance