Female entrepreneurs in Caterham, Redhill, Reigate and surrounding areas can get a helping hand to turn their dreams into reality thanks to a new business venture being launched by Croydon Business Venture Limited.
With the help of funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland, through their Inspiring Women in Enterprise Initiative, Croydon Business Venture is looking to help women from Croydon and surrounding areas set up in business.
The aim is to provide an opportunity for women with a great business idea to get expert guidance and support – at no cost to themselves.
Businesses will then get the opportunity to make "Dragon's Den" style pitches to secure one of up to five start-up packages, which would include free office space at one of Croydon Business Venture's locations.
In preparation, Croydon Business Venture will be running a series of three-day new business courses for participants – to include an introduction to entrepreneurship, selling and marketing business finance and professional support and business advice networks.
They will also receive mentoring and assistance with formulating a business plan before receiving the opportunity to pitch for one of the tailored start-up plans, which, as well as 12 months' free office accommodation complete with telephone and ICT equipment, a reception with managed portal and security services, would also include website and brand design, hosting services and company registration.
David Robinson, chairman of Croydon Business Venture, said: "We are hoping that as many budding female entrepreneurs as possible will send us their applications and make the most of this unique opportunity.
"As a charity, which has been providing business support for the past 30 years, we have an outstanding track record for helping people from Croydon and Surrey with the help they need to set up in business.
"We are particularly excited to have secured the support of the Royal Bank of Scotland in order to offer this programme. We are sure that many women in Surrey have great business ideas and look forward to helping them to turn their dreams into reality."
For further information and an application form call 020 8681 8339 or e-mail bjo@cbvltd.co.uk