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Highland launch for women entrepreneurs drive

Investing Women founder and chief executive Jackie Waring
Investing Women founder and chief executive Jackie Waring

A scheme aimed at encouraging more women around Scotland to become entrepreneurs has its Highlands and islands’ launch today.

Investing Women is open to people of either sex who want to invest in or offer support to the next generation of successful businesswomen.

The launch event in Inverness will give both potential and existing investors within established north businesses more information about the scheme and opportunities for connection, investment and growth.

Investing Women founder and chief executive businesswoman Jackie Waring will explain the project and invite participation in its future activities.

Ms Waring – who has 26 years’ experience of working with the private sector, government and directly with women to help boost levels of female entrepreneurship and growth-oriented businesses – will also announce details of Investing Women’s pilot Catalyst programme, which will run later in the year.

Catalyst is based on initiatives in the US, where bringing women business angels and entrepreneurs together has boosted female participation in investment; both as investors and entrepreneurs accessing equity for growth.

Ms Waring said: “Investing Women members will generate significant new seed and early stage investment where it’s most needed.

“There are no shortage of innovators and entrepreneurs in Scotland.

“There are many talented professional and businesswomen  in the Highlands and islands with the capacity to become angel investors.

“There are also increasing opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs as the economy recovers.

“We want to help accelerate the growth of more of them to realise their market potential.”

Stephanie Anderson, development manager for entrepreneurship and innovation at economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “There are many exciting businesses in the region led by female entrepreneurs or with dynamic and capable women in leadership roles.

“These businesses would benefit from greater early stage investment, combined with a stronger network of connections, mentoring and support which accessing external finance can bring.

“There are also successful, experienced women in a position to lend their skills and some financing to young, growing companies.

“Investing Women brings ambitious people together to share their knowledge and experience.”

Today’s north launch takes place at the Kingsmills Hotel from noon to 2pm.