An initiative which supports women in business is celebrating a successful first year.

Inverclyde Women in Business was set up by the council with the aim of supporting local female business owners as well as those keen to set up their own venture.

The first meeting took place in October last year with more than 60 attendees and it’s since gone from strength-to-strength meeting at various places around Inverclyde.

More than 200 women have attended the meetings in its first year.

And to celebrate, the group held its October meeting at The Albany.

Attendees enjoyed some birthday cake to mark the occasion.

READ MORE: Women in Business group launches with successful first meeting at the Beacon (from October 2023)

Jayne Lasley, founder and director of Fairly Curved, said the Inverclyde Women in Business networking events were “instrumental” to their business growth and success over the past year.

She added: “By attending these events, we've had the opportunity to connect with an amazing community of local female entrepreneurs, gaining insights into valuable grant opportunities specific to Inverclyde businesses, and discovering valuable contacts who have helped reduce our costs, such as business insurance.

“The sense of community and mutual support at these events is truly invaluable. Everyone is genuinely invested in each other's success, offering advice, resources, and encouragement.

"The positive impact on our business has been undeniable. Each event has brought new opportunities, ideas, and connections that continue to benefit us.

READ MORE: Business groups team up to host networking fund-raiser in Greenock

“Although our intention wasn’t to sell products at these events, we've organically built a loyal customer base, with some attendees becoming cherished regulars.

“Overall, the Inverclyde Women in Business network has not only boosted our business but also deepened our ties to the local business community in meaningful and lasting ways and personally helped me grow as a business owner.”

 

 

Funding to support the group has come from the council’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Each meeting begins with an introduction on the services available to local businesses from Inverclyde Council and Business Gateway Inverclyde followed by a spotlight talk from a local business. Then there is the opportunity for people to tell their news and the session ends with some structured networking sessions.

Looking ahead, the organisers are planning masterclasses with experts coming in to talk about topics including social media, marketing and HR.

Find out more at tinyurl.com/inverclydewomeninbusiness.