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Programme News

Find out all the latest news from our Programmes                                           Connect | Antrim Newtownabbey Bootcamp | Power of 4 | Mentoring Programme

Wednesday 30 March 2016

Find out all the latest news from our Programmes.

Connect | Antrim Newtownabbey Bootcamp | Power of 4 | Mentoring Programme

The Connect Programme  

The Connect Programme team were delighted with the success of their keynote event- Confident Inside, Confident Outside. Almost 40 women attended the event in the Ramada Encore on 15th March. Participants on the day were all registered to the Connect Programme, which provides support, guidance and training for women returning to employment or exploring self-employment. 

Guest speaker, Lisa Duffy delivered a very practical session, giving hints and tips on how to be more self-aware and how this can help you control your performance in interviews and when speaking to prospective customers. Lisa explained to participants when you communicate confidence, others will believe you are confident.

Complementing the theme of confident inside and out, we also welcomed guest speaker Katherin Farries. Katherin is Personal Stylist with Victoria Square. She explained to participants how, when you look your best and feel comfortable in what you are wearing, this will be communicated to those you come into contact with. Katherin gave very practical tips on how different styles suit different women and how to express you personality and individuality in what you wear, whilst still presenting a professional image.

Participant to the programme. Heather Harvey said-

‘Thank you again for today's event - I really enjoyed it. I came away feeling really boosted and full of positivity, plus I met some more lovely people.’

The programme is funded by the Department of Employment Learning, the European Social Fund, Belfast City Council, and delivered in partnership with East Belfast Enterprise.

Antrim Newtownabbey Bootcamp

On 10th March we delivered a successful one-day female entrepreneurship boot camp for women in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area. 26 women attended, getting the opportunity to speak to women at various stages of business development. Stacey Hamill, of Dunamoy Cottages and Spa, spoke of how she worked hard, on an ongoing basis, to ensure her business met customers’ needs.

We also heard from Pat Thompson of Bonnie and Belle, and Heather Carr of Ten Minutes More. Both Pat and Heather have been participants on our Power of 4 programme, funded by RBS Inspiring Enterprise. They spoke of how they had arrived at self-employment, the challenges and rewards. Guest speakers Nancy Brown and Theresa Messenger also delivered sessions on how to boost self-confidence and manage stress whilst building your business.

The event was sponsored by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and hosted in Mossley Mill. Feedback from the day was excellent and we are hopeful there will be opportunities to work together again in the future, particularly supporting female entrepreneurship in the area.

Power of 4

The current delivery of our Power of 4 programme, funded by RBS Inspiring Enterprise, closes at the end of March. To recognise the work of participants and the success they’ve achieved to date, we are hosting a celebration event on Thurs. 4th April at Ulster Bank. A total of 178 women attended events delivered through the programme. 33 women completed the training, mentoring and peer support. Participants on Power of 4 have found it has given them and their business the skills and support to develop and grow. Some have gone on to the Ulster Bank E-Spark programme, with one being accepted onto the highly prestigious Propel Programme. We have been delighted with the response to Power of 4 and the positive impact it has had on participants. A strong rapport has been built between participants, which has continued beyond the programme and has proven to be a strong legacy.

Mentoring Programme

The Mentoring Programme was launched in October 2015, the first cohort of 52 participants having completed the first quarter of support. It is funded by the Department of Employment and Learning.

We are due to launch the second cohort in late April and have already had a high demand from potential participants. The programme matches mentors and mentees for 12 months of monitoring around career and business development. We are still actively seeking mentors, so if you or anyone you know believes they have the time and aptitude to take part in this rewarding programme, please contact Vicky Moore- vicky@womeninbusinessni.com

Wednesday 30 March 2016