Aberdeenshire has launched a significant new initiative to boost female entrepreneurship across the region. The Building Female Founders Programme, led by Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire, aims to unlock the full potential of women in business until March 31 next year. This program responds to a clear regional demand to increase women’s participation in business growth.
The initiative seeks to address a critical gap in support for women-led startups. The new program is specifically designed to bridge this disparity.
Councillor Alan Turner, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, noted the program’s vital role. He stated it would enable more women to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. This effort aims to foster a more diverse and dynamic economy for north-east Scotland.
Addressing Specific Barriers for Women Founders
The Building Female Founders Programme is designed to tackle persistent under-representation by offering tailored, accessible support. It focuses on the realities and challenges women often face. Barriers such as confidence, perceived risk, and limited access to networks have disproportionately affected women. Practical challenges like travel and caring responsibilities also impact women, particularly in Aberdeenshire’s rural communities.
The program provides targeted, relationship-led support for women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. This includes those with early-stage ideas and businesses in their first two years. A dedicated Female Founders business advisor offers personalized one-to-one coaching. Participants also gain access to specialist expertise and peer networks.
Key Support and Outreach Components
The initiative delivers several key components to foster business growth. These include a series of networking events designed to build confidence and connections. The program also arranges visits to successful women-led businesses across the region. Small-scale test and learn grants support early innovation, and participants can access marketing, digital marketing, and branding expertise.
Participants will receive structured support in essential business areas. These include sales, finance, growth planning, and digital skills. The program also covers emerging technologies such as AI. Alongside these services, a targeted outreach campaign ensures the program reaches women who may not traditionally engage with business support, including those returning from caring responsibilities or living in rural communities.
Delivered by Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire in partnership with local economic development teams, the program aligns with wider priorities. It aims to widen participation, reduce economic inactivity, and build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. This approach seeks to empower women entrepreneurs to overcome systemic obstacles and achieve their business goals.
Fostering an Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The Building Female Founders Programme is funded by the Ecosystem Pathways Fund. It represents a concrete step towards creating a supportive, women-centered environment. By strengthening connections across the region, the program seeks to enable more women to start and grow businesses. This focus helps address the persistent funding gap for women founders and other barriers to scaling.
The initiative underscores the importance of tailored support to foster startup ecosystems that are truly inclusive. Early outputs will include personalized one-to-one advisory services, aiming to integrate more women into the economic fabric of Aberdeenshire. The program’s success could serve as a model for regional development focused on equitable entrepreneurial opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Building Female Founders Programme?
The Building Female Founders Programme is a new initiative in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, designed to support women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, from early ideas to their first two years in business.
Who is leading this new initiative?
Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire is leading the Building Female Founders Programme, with funding from the Ecosystem Pathways Fund, until March 31 next year.
What challenges does the program address for women entrepreneurs?
The program addresses barriers such as confidence, perceived risk, limited access to networks, and practical challenges related to travel and caring responsibilities, particularly in rural Aberdeenshire.
What kind of support does the program offer?
The program offers personalized one-to-one coaching, networking events, visits to successful women-led businesses, small grants for innovation, and access to expertise in marketing, digital skills, sales, and finance.
Why is this program important for Aberdeenshire?
Councillor Alan Turner stated that the program plays a vital role in enabling more women to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses, contributing to a more diverse and dynamic economy for north-east Scotland.
