Member Article

Campaign kicks off to find this year's inspiring UK female entrepreneurs

Brilliant female entrepreneurs across the UK are being encouraged to apply to take part in a campaign which showcases inspiring women running their own businesses, and offers support.

The f:Entrepreneur campaign – delivered by Small Business Britain, the leading champion of the UK’s small businesses – has opened applications for this year’s #ialso 100 .

Each year the campaign features a phenomenal line-up of 100 female business owners, to recognise the growing tide of women running businesses whilst also juggling a roster of roles and responsibilities which support their peers and communities.

Indeed, research undertaken by the campaign earlier this year signalled a strong entrepreneurial outlook among women, despite the challenges of the pandemic. Almost one fifth (17%) of women in the UK reported considering starting their own businesses, and two fifths (42%) said they were motivated to turn a passion into a business.

The f: Entrepreneur campaign aims to profile and grow this trend by spotlighting role models to inspire all small businesses, as well as offering skills training and networking opportunities with its large, vibrant community. Now in its fourth year, the impact of the campaign has grown year -on-year and it attracted a record number of applications for the 2020 #ialso100.

One such entrepreneur was Claudia Gwinnutt, founder of CIRCLA, who was featured in this year’s #ialso100 line-up and found the support offered by the community of women hugely benefited her business.

‘Running a business can be an extremely lonely and daunting experience, but being part of this extraordinary network of women has given me a space and network to share my journey. Not only has it provided this connection, but it has also served as a platform to elevate myself as a leader and my business. What an honour to be part of this!’

Michelle Ovens CBE, who launched f-entrepreneur in 2017 and is also the founder of Small Business Britain said:

‘It is so inspiring to see female entrepreneurship flourishing so much in the UK today, despite the massive challenges of the last eighteen months. We started f:Entrepreneur to celebrate phenomenal women and support their success. It has become clear that amazing things happen when women come together to help each other. I’d encourage any woman running a small business in the UK today who has a fantastic story to tell, to get involved and put yourself forward.’

Applications for the f:Entrepreneur #ialso 100 are open until 30 September 2021 and it is free to enter.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rachel .