With unemployment figures at their highest for ten years, Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) are encouraging women to see the situation as a real opportunity to start their own business.

The organisation, which has been supporting rural female entrepreneurs since 1996, is running its award-winning Opening Doors programme in Shropshire and Staffordshire in September and October.

Comprising three free workshops, each is packed with friendly and practical advice aimed at turning women’s business dreams into reality.

Three courses are running in Stafford, Telford and Shrewsbury.

The course begins in Stafford on Wednesday 16 September, 9.30am to 2.30pm with two subsequent sessions on Wednesday 23 September and Wednesday 7 October all at the Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford.

In Telford, the course will take place a on Thursday 17 September, 9.30am to 2.30pm with two subsequent sessions on Thursday 24 September and Thursday 8 October all at the Enterprise HQ, Coalport, Telford.

The course comes to Shrewsbury on Wednesday 23 September, 9.30am to 2.30pm with two subsequent sessions on Tuesday 29 September and Tuesday 13 October all at Louise House, Shrewsbury.

Putting ideas into practice

The first session looks at taking your initial steps into business from a practical standpoint and most importantly at having the confidence to put ideas into practice.

Heather Hogan from WiRE says: “Many women dream of running their own business but never take the plunge through fear or doubt.

“The Opening Doors workshop really encourages attendees and gives them the confidence do it, with WiRE supporting them every step of the way.”

Planning

The second workshop focuses on marketing, finance and business planning, while the crucial third date is a one-to-one session with a WiRE business adviser designed to let attendees ask questions specific to their business idea and to resolve and worries of problems they have.

Heather continued: “Putting together a business plan can be a daunting prospect but it is essential.

“A well thought out plan will ensure the business grows, satisfies the bank manager and helps you predict and survive any lean period.

“We walk women through the process and they fill in a business plan template on the day, so they take away the start of a working document.”

Mentoring support

Opening Doors however doesn’t end at the workshops – WiRE will also provide mentoring support for women looking to start a new business or whose business is less than 12 months old, whether they are able to attend the course or not.

Heather added: “For many women, running their own business is an empowering experience.

“Whether you’ve just left school and you want to work for yourself, are returning to employment after having children, have been made redundant or just desire a change, the Opening Doors programme will show you how to start and run a highly successful business.

“Many women in Shropshire have benefitted from the programme and we hope many more will do so.”

Those interested in signing up for any or all of the workshops should contact Heather on (01952) 815460 or via email at heather@wireuk.org