Enterprising women invited to make their ideas a reality

Edventure is offering its third Enterprising Women’s course, designed to help local women take the first steps in making their business ideas into a reality. 

Participants go through a process designed to provide them with momentum and direction in their journey, alongside a group of women who want to make things happen.

Enrolment is now open for the course, which kicks off on Thursday 11th September and will run every Thursday from 9.15am to 2.45pm at the Edventure Hub in Frome until 22nd January, excluding 30th October, 25th December and 1st January.

A member of the Edventure team, James Wallis, said, “The course is for all women, no matter their background or stage of life. No textbooks or qualifications are needed, only an appetite to make things happen and an initial idea to explore.

“Throughout the course, Edventure guides participants through sessions to build confidence, resilience and resourcefulness. The course introduces essential tools, skills and knowledge needed to start a business, with sessions covering topics like business planning, financial planning and branding. The course also offers dedicated time for participants to reflect on both their business ideas and what they want from life.

“The previous cohort of Enterprising Women went from ideas to action: they set up workshops and online shops, developed marketing materials, gathered community support and more. The group also shared that they valued the time for reflection offered by the course.

“They highlighted that reflection space is often missing in daily life due to caring and work responsibilities and that the course allowed them to digest and go through their ideas and actions, and to understand how they felt about them.”

The Enterprising Women course is free for Somerset residents (excluding BANES) on incomes below £25,000 or for those who fall into other priority areas for support, thanks to funding from Somerset Council. The course is open to all women at a cost of £880. If cost is a barrier, Edventure encourages applicants to email hello@edventurefrome.org to explore options.

A previous participant of Edventure’s Enterprising Women course student said, “The course content and community aspect are invaluable. It offers the right balance of structure and creative freedom and builds confidence through ‘doing the thing’ instead of just thinking or talking about it. I wish I could do it all over again.”

James added, “A key outcome of the course is that participants walk away with new skills, momentum and a strong, supportive community of women who are all on a similar journey.”

Space is limited and the course is often popular, so those interested in joining participants are encouraged to apply soon. To learn more or to enrol, visit edventurefrome.org/enterprisingwomen.

Edventure is a non-profit community interest company that initiates and supports community enterprise and groups that do good. They do this through courses in making ideas real, facilitation and support, events and partnership projects.

Edventure has incubated many local initiatives, such as the Community Fridge (2016), the Share Shop and Loop Frome composting. They are a partner in Green and Healthy Frome, funded by the National Lottery Climate Action Fund, with a mission to make it easier to live greener and healthier lives in Frome. Their work has been recognised nationally for its positive impact, inspiring other places to take similar approaches.

Pictured: Edventure’s previous cohort of Enterprising Women, alongside facilitator Meki, and Frome Mayor Cllr Anita Collier