Social Enterprise Shine will accept up to 40 new women this month on the She Can Shine programme, supporting early start female entrepreneurs.
The programme is expanding due to high interest from the Leeds entrepreneur community.
She Can Shine, a free business support scheme run by Shine workspace in Harehills, and in partnership with She Business, welcomed its first cohort of 40 in June.
The scheme, funded by Shine, Leeds City Council, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has welcomed a funding boost that will enable it to onboard and support a second cohort.
Dawn O’Keefe, co-founder and director of Shine said: “We are really pleased with the ongoing success of our She Can Shine programme and delighted to be able to open it up to even more women from across Leeds.”
The entrepreneurs are enjoying access to business workshops, a book club, mentorship scheme, business address and secure post boxes, plus a new coworking space based at Shine.
Early stage businesses aged 0-3 years are eligible, and the programme is encouraging women from LGBTQ+ and lower socio-economic backgrounds to apply.
She Can Shine has so far held events on business viability, finance and branding.
Rebecca Collins, project manager for the programme, said: “As a new entrepreneur myself, I know how important support is in those early stages. I’m really proud that we’re helping the next generation of local women-led businesses.”
Its next event on 11th September, The Art of Sales and Networking, is open to the public and run by director of She Business, Paula Grizzard.
Applicants can register for the programme on the Shine website.
