Following our Startupnow for Women Information Day on the 25th February, we have partnered with a number of organisations for the delivery of our Startupnow for Women Project.

On the 28th April we invited 20 women who have been involved with the criminal justice system and whom are interested in self-employment to our Startupnow for Women Event Pilot.  They took part in a self employment worshop and listened to an existing Startup client talk about his journey from prison to self-employment and the support that he has received from Startup.  In a very relaxed ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation three clients that Startup have recently begun supporting presented their business idea to the audience with the hope of receiving full support from Startup.  All three ladies were awarded Startup’s continued support and a financial grant to get their businesses of the ground.

Those women who already had a business idea had the opportunity to discuss this with a business adviser.

During the event our partner organisations all hosted stands giving our potential clients the opportunity to discuss courses and workshops that are available to them.

The day was a huge success and we have received some very positive feedback.

Startup hosted an information day at St Ethelburga’s in London.  The day informed potential partners, funders and mentors about the Startupnow Project for Women and how their involvement could benefit the project.

Juliet attended a discussion held by SJ Berwin and The Prince’s Trust on New Thinking on Prisons.  Speakers included  Jonathan Aitkin – ex-MP, ex-Cabinet Minister, ex-prisoner, author and broadcaster,  Edward Garnier QC MP, Martina Milburn –CEO the Prince’s Trust, Erwin James – Guardian Columnist, David Harrel – former Senior Partner SJ Berwin.

Mari attended a round table discussion hosted by Clinks on the infrastructure support needs for those working with women offenders.