Do we need special programmes for Women Entrepreneurs? A UK perspective. Jo Ludbrook WEETU. Women’s Employment, Enterprise and Training Unit.

1.Do we need special services & loans. Why? 2. Barriers 3.Remedies. 4.Prowess’s role. 5.WEETU's lessons. Questions:

Why special services & loans? What are the barriers?  Fear  Poverty  Childcare  Lack of support & education  Lack of collateral

Jumping over the barriers. Enterprise Encouragement Confidence Help with childcare Access to Finance

Weetu’s Activities & remedies  Training  Advice  Support

Peer-lending what is it?  ‘Lending Circles’  Loan security established through ‘Social Capital’

Our Loans  Aim to extend access  9.5%APR  €2,200 over 20 months  € 3, months  Can assist to open bank account  Help to move on

Does Full Circle work?  500+ entrepreneurs trained  50+ lending circles established  150+ Loans  Almost €150k loaned  over 70% of businesses still trading  Helped turnover of €5 million +  94% repayment rate

What difference does it make?  Women feeling more in control of their lives rose from 45% to 90%  Use of adult education services rose from 55% to 72%  Use of professional business services rose from 16% to 42%  Use of professional financial services rose from 14% to 24%

Prowess  Founded in Promotes women's enterprise support. A UK wide trade association.  Results.  Every year helps 100,000 women looking to start or grow businesses.  Helped 10,000 of them get a business off the ground  + £1.5 billion to the UK economy in additional revenue  A 205% increase in enquiries from women in one year.

Does WEETU work?  Education  Knowledge  Encouragement  Community  Access to finance Support