Female founders in the UK have a golden opportunity to accelerate their business growth.
A competition, offering up to £18,000 in support, is set to provide an invaluable lifeline for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
The Female Founders Competition
The Female Founders Competition is a collaborative initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs. Open to any female founder based in the UK, the competition provides a platform for innovative business ideas to flourish.
Four finalists will be paired with top-tier female business mentors for six weeks and receive £3,000 in credits to develop their business concepts. These mentors include prominent figures such as Julie Waddell, Elsie Rutterford, Raissa de Haas, and Sarah Welsch.
Final Presentation and Prizes
Following the mentorship period, the finalists will present their business growth plans to an all-female judging panel in London on 13 November. One winner will be selected to receive an additional £15,000 in credits and a year’s free membership to a digital community for entrepreneurs.
The digital community offers access to 1:1 mentoring, courses, and networking opportunities, providing a supportive environment for female founders to thrive.
Support from Prominent Business Figures
Holly Branson, Chief Purpose and Vision Officer at Virgin Group, expressed her excitement about the competition, emphasizing Virgin StartUp’s commitment to championing female entrepreneurs. She highlighted the competition’s value in connecting founders, providing mentorship, and offering financial support.
“I am thrilled to be involved in this year’s competition as a judge,” Branson noted. “This is a fantastic opportunity for female founders to connect, access valuable mentorship, and receive financial support to propel their businesses forward.”
Branson’s enthusiasm underscores the importance of initiatives that foster female entrepreneurship and fuel the UK’s entrepreneurial economy.
Previous Success Stories
Last year’s competition saw over 700 female founders vying for the prize, with Anna Moynihan, co-founder of TaskHer, emerging as the winner. Moynihan’s business, an online booking platform for tradeswomen, benefited immensely from the competition’s support.
Anna described the past year as exciting and highlighted the competition’s impact on her business. The prize enabled TaskHer to experiment with AI, redesign its website, and improve its product user experience. Moynihan shared how leveraging freelancers freed up crucial time for other business areas.
TaskHer is now progressing towards raising seed funding for its next growth phase, with freelancers playing a vital role in supporting both the fundraise and subsequent growth.
Role of Freelance Talent in Business Growth
Gali Arnon, Chief Business Officer at Fiverr, emphasized the importance of access to top freelance talent for business growth. Arnon expressed pride in partnering again with Virgin StartUp and the ambition to spotlight innovative female entrepreneurs.
“Following the success of last year’s competition, we are thrilled to partner again and support some of the UK’s most forward-thinking female entrepreneurs,” Arnon remarked. “Access to the best freelance talent will enable this year’s winner to elevate their business offering.”
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
The competition not only provides financial support but also offers valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. These resources are crucial for female entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses.
Connecting with experienced mentors and like-minded founders helps participants gain insights, expand their networks, and enhance their business strategies.
Entry and Participation Details
The competition is open to all UK-based female founders. Participants will undergo a rigorous selection process to identify the most promising business ideas.
The final presentation in London will be a public event, allowing participants to showcase their business growth plans to a live audience and receive constructive feedback from the judging panel.
This competition marks a significant opportunity for female entrepreneurs in the UK.
With access to mentorship, financial support, and a broad network, participants can propel their businesses to new heights. The initiative promises to be a game-changer for many women-led businesses, fostering innovation and growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
