Unconventional Ventures’ Post

Are you a female entrepreneur looking to not only accelerate the growth of your own business but to become a leader and role model for other women from a range of backgrounds? If so, Innovate UK are offering up to 50 UK based micro, small, or medium sized businesses with a woman as a founder, co-founder, or senior decision maker up to £75,000 in grant funding along with bespoke business growth support and networking opportunities through the Women in Innovation Award 2024/25. But what makes a successful, compelling application? Who specifically is this award interested in helping? 1. 💯 Individual excellence: Individuals with the capability, experience, and personal drive to become leaders in not only business and innovation, but to become role models for their region, sector, and to young people. Awardees are required to volunteer as a role model for at least five days over the 12 month duration of the award, helping to generate interest in your stories and business. 2. 💡 Game changing novel idea or business idea: This grant is aimed at helping businesses develop highly disruptive and ground-breaking innovations, beyond incremental improvements on existing technologies/ideas. 3. 🗺 Regional focus: Innovate UK funding has historically been largely awarded to companies within London and the South West, so while this award is available for all regions of the UK consider applying especially if you are from a historically less represented region. To date, of the 153 recipients of almost £9,000,000 from this programme 50 have been from London and 24 from the South East and South West. o I was very surprised to see only 9 have been awarded to businesses in Scotland! I am personally particularly interested in working with Scottish-based businesses considering my location in St. Andrews (and one of 2 PNO’s innovation consultants based in Scotland along with Dorian Parker)    If you think this opportunity is relevant for you, PNO Consultants Ltd (UK) can help with qualification of ideas and guidance with your application for this competitive award. We have extensive experience with Innovate UK applications and have previously helped businesses secure Women in Innovation grants. The closing date for this competition is the 10th July at 11:00 am. If you are interested in a no obligation grant acquisition strategy planning meeting or have a potential project idea you would like to discuss, DM/email me to arrange an initial exploratory call. | [email protected] | +44 (0) 7534 712 828 |

We need more and better support for women-led (not only innovative) companies. Read an opinion piece by Sharyn Smith, our COO at Canberra Innovation Network. Sharyn is a strong advocate for female entrepreneurship and women in business leadership. She is the creator and the driving force behind the CBRIN's Female Founders program. You can do many things to help. Propose a candidate (or self-nominate) for our "Women in Innovation" Category Post (there is so many fascinating women led innovation initiatives and companies in the ACT and if you do not know them all - read, share, connect with them and nominate - https://lnkd.in/g9n2tHXb), attend Female Founders events in 2025 (the first one will be a trade show: https://lnkd.in/g4kqi7Rk - do you know a female led innovative business that should be showcased?) and connect female led businesses to mentors, investors and customers who will accelerate their progress. Invite investors, experts and mentors to events that showcase female founders. Find exciting women led innovative businesses and introduce them to CBRIN, we will aim to provide them with opportunities to pitch, present and connect them to resources they need to progress their business. Make 2025 count in how we support female-led businesses. Believe. Trust. Take (calculated) risk. It is smart business. https://lnkd.in/gqcBHG_g

As a proud partner of the TRAI’ELLE event held in Ain Draham from October 31 to November 2, 2024 by Dar El Ain, I am excited to reflect on the incredible experiences and insights shared during this inspiring gathering. TRAI’ELLE brought together dynamic women entrepreneurs and innovators, all united by a common goal: to make a positive impact in their communities and empower one another. This event emphasized the importance of female entrepreneurship, particularly in a region like Ain Draham, where unique cultural and natural resources can be harnessed for sustainable development. The diverse workshops and discussions explored themes such as green entrepreneurship, responsible investment, and local craftsmanship, providing participants with invaluable tools and knowledge to thrive in their endeavors. One of the most inspiring aspects of TRAI’ELLE was witnessing the strong sense of community among participants. Women from various backgrounds shared their experiences and challenges, fostering an environment of support and collaboration. This camaraderie was a testament to the resilience and determination of women striving to carve out their place in the entrepreneurial and leadership landscape.The event also highlighted the significance of sustainable practices in business. By focusing on eco-friendly approaches, participants were encouraged to think innovatively about how they can contribute to both the economy and the environment. As we look towards the future, the connections made at TRAI’ELLE will undoubtedly inspire continued collaboration among women in entrepreneurship. It is crucial that we nurture these relationships and support one another as we work towards creating sustainable solutions that uplift our communities. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, shared their insights, and contributed to the success of TRAI’ELLE. Together, we are shaping a future where women’s contributions are recognized, valued, and celebrated. Let’s continue to uplift one another and drive meaningful change in our communities! https://traielle.com/ #TRAIELLE #WomenInBusiness #Innovation #FemaleEntrepreneurship #Empowerment #Sustainability

Empowering Women-Owned Businesses: Resources for Success Women entrepreneurs are transforming the business landscape with innovative approaches and resilient leadership. While challenges persist, numerous resources now support female business owners in achieving their professional goals. Key opportunities for women entrepreneurs include: 1. Financial Support - SBA-backed loans - Specialized grant programs - Women-focused investment networks 2. Professional Development - Mentorship programs - Networking organizations - Skill-building workshops 3. Strategic Advantages - Government contract certifications - Digital marketing resources - Community support platforms Critical strategies for success: - Leverage unique leadership perspectives - Continuously upgrade professional skills - Build authentic professional networks - Utilize technology and digital tools The landscape for women-owned businesses is evolving, with increasing recognition of female entrepreneurial potential. By accessing targeted resources and maintaining a growth mindset, women can overcome traditional barriers and create remarkable business achievements. Aspiring and established women entrepreneurs have unprecedented opportunities to innovate, lead, and make significant economic contributions. The time to pursue your entrepreneurial vision is now.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending an incredible event organised by Coral Horn that left me feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to take on the world! 🙌 The room was filled with trailblazing women—ambitious, driven, and supportive—who are making waves in their industries and beyond 💪 Scaling a business is an exhilarating journey, but it’s not without its challenges. The frustration of finding the right resources and advice can sometimes slow you down. But imagine stepping into a room where all the tools, strategies, and connections you need are right at your fingertips. That’s exactly what this event offered! 👊 The day was packed with actionable insights, one-to-one sessions with industry experts, and networking opportunities with decision-makers and female founders—all designed to help fast-track success. It was a space where women came together to share their expertise, lift each other up, and empower one another to reach new heights 💪 One of the standout moments was hearing from the incredible Christine Nichols Her achievements are nothing short of remarkable: Co-Founder of Atlantic Pacific Global, recipient of the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Enterprise Vision Awards, sponsored by NatWest. The event, hosted at the stunning hope street hotel in Liverpool, was part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)—a worldwide celebration of innovation, inclusivity, and breaking down barriers. Women empowering women is so important. When we come together to share knowledge, resources, and support, we create a ripple effect that drives real change. Today’s event reminded me that collaboration, not competition, is the key to success. If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, don’t miss out on opportunities like this. It’s not just about growth—it’s about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you to think bigger and achieve more. Sara Perischine Laura Hartley AMInstLM Clare Ellis Ellen (Ellie) Kerr Del Parsons (MCIM, BA Psych) Ben Duckworth Delyth Lloyd Edwards Emma Browning Preeti Choudhary Caroline Turley #WomenEmpoweringWomen #GEW2024GoinhForGrowth #NetworkingEvent #BusinessGrowth #FemaleEntrepreneurs #Inspiration #CollaborationOverCompetition #Leadership #EntrepreneurshipMatters #PinkLinkLadies #Entrepreneurshipisforeveryone

EY's Winning Women: Shattering the Entrepreneurial Glass Ceiling In my latest Forbes article, I share how The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women program empowers women founders to achieve ambitious growth. Launched in 2008 in the U.S., the program has expanded to 55 countries and graduated over 1,000 entrepreneurs. Winning Women provides access to EY resources, including executive education and networks of funders, experts, industry leaders, and mentors. This supportive environment helps women unlock their full potential. Two women, Christine Lantinen of Maud Borup and Vickie Lewis of VMX International, share how the program has helped them overcome challenges and succeed. Read the full article to learn more about the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women program and how it can help your business grow. https://lnkd.in/enyiWyeX #WinningWomen #WomenEntrepreneurs #EYWinningWomen #BusinessGrowth Maranda Bruckner

👠An Open Letter to Women Entrepreneurs: Let's Break the Barriers and Rise Together Dear Women Entrepreneurs, As women entrepreneurs, we are witnessing a powerful wave of growth and innovation sweeping across the nation. Yet, despite our undeniable potential, only a mere 12 percent of us manage to break past the six-figure mark in our businesses. Why is that? The truth is, we face unique challenges that often hinder our ability to persist towards our boss goals. From juggling hectic personal schedules to battling imposter syndrome, from hesitating to share our brilliance to feeling out of place in male-dominated rooms, the obstacles we encounter can sometimes feel insurmountable. But amidst these challenges, there is also immense opportunity. African American and minority women, in particular, are driving the growth of small businesses at astonishing rates. However, the need for mentorship, guidance, and accountability remains a glaring necessity. It was with these realities in mind that I founded the International Women Build Confidence Conference. I wanted to create a space where uncommon women with uncommon dreams could come together, support one another, and chart a path to success on our own terms. I invite you to join me at the conference, where we will break down barriers, shatter stereotypes, and uplift each other as we strive for greatness. Together with my collaborators, we are committed to providing you with the tools, resources, and community you need to thrive in your entrepreneurial journey. At the International Women Build Confidence Conference, you'll find: 1. Inspiring Speakers Hear from trailblazing women who have overcome adversity and achieved remarkable success in their fields. 2. Practical Workshops Gain valuable insights and practical skills to help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and reach new heights in your business. 3. Meaningful Connections Forge lasting connections with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders who are dedicated to supporting your growth and success. 4. Accountability Partnerships*l Find the mentorship and accountability you need to stay focused, motivated, and on track towards your goals. Together, let's rewrite the narrative for women in business. Let's defy the odds, defy expectations, and defy anyone who doubts our ability to succeed. Because when uncommon women come together, there's no limit to what we can achieve. Come join us at the International Women Build Confidence Conference, where we're not just dreaming of success—we're making it a reality. My collaborators and I are rooting for you, and we can't wait to see you thrive. With unwavering belief in your potential, Dr. Allana #UncommonWomen #BuildConfidence Register today-🎯 https://lnkd.in/eARPWr9Q

International Women's Entrepreneurship Day 🌟 Today, we recognise the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women entrepreneurs around the world — including our very own co-founder and Scientific Director, Laura I. Furlong. When Laura was asked to reflect on the best and the most challenging parts of founding a company, this is what she shared… 💡The most challenging: Operating in such a fast-evolving field like technology, particularly in areas such as NLP and LLMs, means a constant need to stay up-to-date. It can be tough to keep pace. On top of this, there’s the uncertainty caused by external factors, such as shifts in government policies and their impact on industries like pharma and biotech, which in turn affect businesses like ours. Another challenge is balancing your personal expectations with the company’s goals. 💖The best part: Reflecting on the journey since starting the company in early 2020, Laura takes pride in how much has been accomplished. Building the company from the ground up alongside a diverse and talented team has been very fulfilling. She enjoys learning from the unique perspectives of her colleagues and celebrating shared achievements in the entrepreneurial journey. Today is dedicated to acknowledging and supporting the great accomplishments of women in business! Keep inspiring and innovating ✨ Congrats Laura on your hard work and achievements! 👏🏼 #WomensEntrepreneurshipDay #Leadership #Innovation #WomenInBusiness #DataForTomorrow

Empowering Women-Owned Businesses: Resources for Success Women entrepreneurs are transforming the business landscape with innovative approaches and resilient leadership. While challenges persist, numerous resources now support female business owners in achieving their professional goals. Key opportunities for women entrepreneurs include: 1. Financial Support - SBA-backed loans - Specialized grant programs - Women-focused investment networks 2. Professional Development - Mentorship programs - Networking organizations - Skill-building workshops 3. Strategic Advantages - Government contract certifications - Digital marketing resources - Community support platforms Critical strategies for success: - Leverage unique leadership perspectives - Continuously upgrade professional skills - Build authentic professional networks - Utilize technology and digital tools The landscape for women-owned businesses is evolving, with increasing recognition of female entrepreneurial potential. By accessing targeted resources and maintaining a growth mindset, women can overcome traditional barriers and create remarkable business achievements. Aspiring and established women entrepreneurs have unprecedented opportunities to innovate, lead, and make significant economic contributions. The time to pursue your entrepreneurial vision is now.

How can companies support women entrepreneurs? How can we harness feminine power to generate business opportunities? These were some of the burning questions tackled at the "Real-Life Entrepreneurship" panel that kicked off the 1st #W20 Brazil National Dialogue. ️ The debate featured the participation of Celia Regina Domingues, a social entrepreuneur and President of AMEBRAS (Association of Women Entrepreuners of Brazil); Erika Zoeller, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at ENGIE South America; Raquel Teixeira, Partner at EY and Leader of EY Private LATAM, and Sabine Zink, Co-founder and CEO of SAS Brasil. Businesses connected with life stories are very common in entrepreneurship, especially in the female sphere. This is what we observed with the two entrepreneurs present in the panel coordinated by Maria Rita Spina Bueno, Leader of the topic in W20 Brazil. Célia Domingues, who is the Director of the Estação Primeira de Mangueira Samba School, asserts that Carnival can be a tool for transformation and inclusion, especially for black women, tapping into their ancestral strength. Sabine Zink, from SAS Brasil promotes at SAS Brazil the expansion of healthcare access through telemedicine, and also through itinerant initiatives traveling across Brazil, annually joining the Rally dos Sertões. As a representative of the LGBTQIAPN+ community, she broke barriers by leveraging the power generated through the union of two women in confronting prejudices. On the corporate side, the guests presented support programs for women's development. Raquel Teixeira presented the Winning Women™ Brazil (@eybrasil ) program, which aims to recognize, celebrate, support and inspire female entrepreneurs leading the expansion and transformation of their #organizations. The year-long mentoring program provides entrepreneurs with the #opportunity to improve their business knowledge, including branding, leadership, management and relationship skills, transforming challenges into growth opportunities. From ENGIE, Erika Zoeller highlighted the company's "Mulheres do Nosso Bairro" program, which focuses on training and supporting micro and small businesses. Since 2020, the initiative has impacted more than 50,000 women, increasing the number of supported businesses from 20 to 93 in 250 cities. Erika also mentioned that, according to a survey conducted after the training, 96% of these entrepreneurs felt much more confident to operate in their #business areas. The event's insights will feed into the Communiqué, a policy recommendation document to be delivered by W20 Brazil to the G20 Brazilian presidency during the Social Summit in November. Stay tuned for more impactful initiatives!