RBS and Ulster Bank are pleased to announce that the fourth round of Inspiring Women in Enterprise grant funding is now open for applications. Grants are available to help build the capacity of organisations that encourage and support women who are not yet in business to explore enterprise. If you are a UK-based not-for-profit organisation that helps women to explore their enterprise potential, you could be eligible to apply for Inspiring Women in Enterprise grant funding.
Starting a business can be both exciting and challenging, and entrepreneurs and businesses need the right combination of support, advice and funding to succeed. Inspiring Enterprise is a way to support and nurture businesses of all shapes and sizes, in every sector of the economy.
According to a recent report, ‘Women in Enterprise, A different Perspective’, statistics show that women make up 51% of the UK population but only 17% of business owners are female – and that men are twice as likely to start a business as women.
Organisations that can deliver initiatives that help women on their enterprise journey can apply for funding – be it helping them set up in business, delivering enterprise education, innovative networking events, developing entrepreneurial knowledge, or something completely new and different.
Applying for a grant is simple, and can be done through the Inspiring Enterprise website. The application window is open from Monday 7th April, and will be open for a period of ten days during which organisations can submit their application. Full eligibility criteria are available on the website.
Each year, grant funding of £500,000 is made available to support organisations which help women to start up and succeed in business. Over the previous funding rounds, over 30 organisations have been supported with grants. These organisations have gone on to support thousands of women on their enterprise journey.
Thom Kenrick, Head of Sustainability Programmes, RBS said: “We are delighted to be opening our Inspiring Women in Enterprise fund for another round of applications. There are so many support organisations out there doing fantastic work but they need a little financial support to be able to expand their reach and influence. Together with RBS, we can encourage more people, in more communities, to explore enterprise, build new skills and ultimately start up and succeed in business.”
Visit www.inspiringenterprise.rbs.com for more information, FAQs, Case Studies and additional help and support.
