Local enterprise support agency The Women’s Organisation are challenging women to ask themselves ‘Is Self-employment for You?’.

The organisation who have supported over 2000 women to consider their economic options in the last year are keen to show women that now is a great time to get a business off the ground by extending an open invitation to local women to join their free business start-up conference.

Face of the campaign Harriet Gilmour who set up her Liverpool tour guide business ‘Experience Liverpool’ with help from The Women’s Organisation, says that going self- employed was “definitely a good move” for her.

Having met with a business advisor Harriet received help to develop her business plan, and was awarded a small grant to help get her business off the ground.

She said that she was given “excellent advice” which led to the development of “a realistic and personal business plan and a realistic financial forecast.” Harriet also took advantage of the free courses on offer around bookkeeping and social media which she says “were just what I needed at that time.”

Enterprise Director at The Women’s Organisation Jackie Williams said:

“With women in the northwest still potentially earning as much as 17.6% less than their male counterparts and women still representing just 17% of business owners in the UK, never has it been more important to let local women know that there are options available to them if they want to reach the top.  How about starting from the top? Being your own boss is an achievable goal for women and we are delighted to be able to share the key ingredients needed to get a business off the ground.”

The ‘Is Self-Employment for You’ business start-up conference will take place on 2nd October 9.30am-12.30pm at The Women’s Organisation’s Baltic Triangle headquarters, 54 St James St. Women interested in attending can book via 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk

Image Source: Lucy Hannah Photography