Government Responds to WETF Report and Recommendations. New measures have been announced by Lord Mandelson to further develop and maximise women’s business potential. Measures cover critical areas already highlighted by the WETF. These include business support, access to finance and national advocacy of women’s enterprise. For more information please click here.
Free business support for women. Please click here for women-friendly business support, which is accessible via Business Link.
Real Help Now for Women was launched by the Government Equalities Office on 6 March and can be found here.
Free use of public procurement portal for SMEs. Please click here for more information.
Free support for businesses in the downturn. Please click here for Real Help for Business, which is accessible via Business Link, for latest updates on Government support (including the Enterprise Finance Guarantee). You can also download Business Link’s top tips for surviving the recession here.
Real Help for Social Enterprises. Please click here for information about Real Help for Communities, and here for news about more support for social investment.
Angel investing awareness campaign. The British Business Angels Association, backed by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, recently launched a campaign to make SMEs more aware of the opportunities offered by angel investment. Business Angel Investing is the most significant source of equity for early stage business in the UK, with between £800m and £1bn being invested in SMEs annually. Please click herefor more information, including events around the country.