Women in Plymouth are developing entrepreneurial skills thanks to grant-funding from Livewell Southwest and the Rank Foundation.
Supporting Her Enterprise (SHE) is a free business support programme for women in Plymouth who want to own their own businesses.
More women in Plymouth have an opportunity to access skills, guidance, mentoring and support to develop their businesses as a result of this funding.
Livewell Southwest Chief Executive Michelle Thomas attended the SHE showcase to meet with the business owners, hear their stories and discover how SHE is helping local women to develop connections, improve knowledge and learn skills to run a business in the community.
Commenting on the showcase Michelle Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at Livewell, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting many talented and inspiring women who have started their own businesses with the support of SHE Plymouth. Every person’s creativity, passion, and history shone through their displays. I am proud to support SHE and their work helping women in our community to build confidence, skills, and careers that they love.”
As a social enterprise, Livewell Southwest has a commitment to supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing, reducing barriers to employment, and strengthening the local communities.
Livewell Southwest and the Rank Foundation work in partnership to bring £1m of match-funding into the city. This creates grants that support local social enterprises linked to our Wellbeing Hubs, to help grow sustainable, community-led solutions that strengthen neighbourhoods, reduce inequalities, and improve health and wellbeing at a local level.
Over 350 women have developed businesses with the support of SHE.
Community in Print owner Devon Tipping pictured with Livewell Chief Executive Michelle Thomas.
Business owner Devon Tipping spoke about her experience with SHE, commenting: “I started my business and a year in was worried about momentum. I loved what I was doing and just needed support and business advice. SHE was really great in providing advise and helping me to figure out how to sustain my business in a way that supports my wellbeing. Jo from SHE is fantastic, I’ve been fortunate to have one-one mentoring sessions that have kept me on track and given me confidence to keep going.”
Community in Print produces artwork that aims to engage people with the climate crisis in a creative and artistic way. Devon has been running her business for three years and uses profits from her sales to run workshops that provide the community with an accessible arts space that utilises sustainable materials and educates people on being environmentally conscious.
SHE Founder Mel Tucker and Programme Support Jo Dench-Owens pictured with Michelle Thomas at the SHE showcase.
Jo Dench-Owens of SHE Plymouth, said: “This is our first ever outdoors event and is an opportunity for our women to showcase their brand to the general public and gain visibility of the amazing work they have been doing.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t always something that is presented as an option. When you work for yourself, it is flexible, you can choose your own hours and work around childcare. We encourage the women to bring their children to our workshops and one-ones to get women out of isolation and into the workforce in a way that works for them.”
Through vital funding from Livewell Southwest and the Rank Foundation, SHE has nurtured a wide variety of businesses and showcases the positive impact that investing in people can have on individuals and the community.
You can find out all about the work of SHE Plymouth by visiting their website: https://www.iridescentideas.com/she-plymouth.html
