WBDA's Women's Enterprise Festival

The Women’s Business Development Agency has hailed Women’s Enterprise Day in Coventry as a huge success.

Would-be entrepreneurs talked to other women who have taken the plunge to set up their own companies as well as experts from the city-based Women’s Business Development Agency (WBDA).

They all met at a shopping event to promote Women’s Enterprise Day at the Coventry Methodist Central Hall in Warwick Lane, in the city centre, which was run by the WBDA in partnership with Enterprising Coventry.

Sandeep Virdee, who launched Asian wear store Reeth in Foleshill Road last October, said it had been a great opportunity to pass on advice to other women planning to set up their own business.

“The WBDA is a great source of support with their mentoring sessions and guidance,” she said.

“They helped me put together a business plan and explained all the legal requirements which was really useful.

“The Women’s Enterprise Day was a good chance to network and encourage other women to become self-employed.”

The shopping day gave around 15 women entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their goods at stalls ranging from handbags and children’s clothes while Nicola Bagheshian and Catherine Matthias launched their Allesley Park-based Natural U business which specialises in beauty products made from beeswax.

Sheridan Culverwell, from the WBDA, said the WBDA and Enterprising Coventry both provide a wide range of support services for people wanting to set up their own business.

“We had around 150 women come along on the day to talk to some of the women entrepreneurs whom we had helped launch their own businesses,” she said.

“They are ideal role models for anyone thinking about taking the plunge in the business world and this was a perfect way to celebrate Women’s Enterprise Day which was part of the nationwide Enterprise Week.

“Advisers from the WBDA also attended the event because we have over 20 years experience in providing specialist business services including free advice, support, training, mentoring and networking services.”

The first prize for the raffle was donated by stall holder Chrissie McClelland, who specialises in hair and make-up, was won by Mrs Sweatman who popped along to the event to show her support to the local women in business!

Mrs Sweatman said, " I really enjoyed the event that the Women's Business Development Agency put on. They had a good variety of stall holders but my favourite was the jewellery stall and the home-made mustard stall. I am stunned to have won such a wonderful prize! I just can't believe my luck! Thank you WBDA!"

For further information on starting up a woman owned business contact WBDA on 024 76 236 111.