The programme offered an initial taster to ensure that participants were clear about the objectives and how it would work andto provide an opportunity for them to inform the content with their ideas, questions and challenges. A programme of 2 hour sessions was then be delivered on a weekly basis each with clear learning aims and outcomes. The programme included practical activities and an opportunity to hear from those with lived experience. Each session included a review and reflection section so that participants could process what they had learned and ask any questions. The mentoring sessions were be available online or by telephone for up to 1 hour. They were offered after the first session, at the mid-point, at the end and by request.
The aims of the programme were to support participants to:
25 women completed the projects and progressed to establish a range of businesses including interior design, English classes for migrant children, soap and candle making and bakery. An evaluation report was commissioned from the University of Leeds and was launched at a conference where the audience included the participants, funders, academics and business support professionals from across Yorkshire.
