NatWest Group and The Telegraph have launched the 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list, which will celebrate female entrepreneurship in the UK.
Speaking about the launch, NatWest Group CEO, Alison Rose said:
“Getting more funding to female entrepreneurs and unlocking their untapped potential continues to be a priority across our industry.
“The latest Rose Review data shows that more women than ever are starting new businesses, and we must harness this potential. That means more financial institutions committing to delivering change and funding. We also need more direct support for businesses across the UK, and we must continue to look at the challenges posed by women’s caring responsibilities.
“Our data also shows that last year – and for the first time ever – women have started businesses at a faster rate than men. These companies need support to grow, as this could add an extra £250bn to the UK economy if women start and scale companies at the same rate as men. The 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch will celebrate female entrepreneurship and highlight the support that is needed for women business owners to succeed, and we wish everyone entering the very best of luck.”
From the 100 list, which will be decided by a panel of business industry experts, 10 female entrepreneurs will be selected for further support, and one business will receive a £10,000 investment grant from NatWest as well as a year’s mentorship from a Rose Review board member.
The panel of judges includes key members from the Rose Review Board, including Debbie Wosskow MBE, co-founder of AllBright, and Jenny Tooth OBE, chief executive at UK Business Angels Association, as well as the Telegraph’s executive lifestyle editor, Caroline Barrett-Haigh, and its deputy head of lifestyle and weekend, Victoria Young; and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) director Sandra Garlick.
NatWest Group’s Head of Enterprise Julie Baker said: “We’ll be focusing on businesses that have only been trading for a few years, and we’re looking forward to offering a range of support to help them grow. For the selected 10, this includes mentoring and expert tuition on selling a company, as well as a £10,000 grant for one outstanding business.”
Information on how to be considered for the 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list.
Read an interview with our CEO Alison Rose in The Telegraph, where she discusses the launch of the 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list.
