Dundee has so many great resources for women to set up and grow their business.
What is your current role within the company?
Coca- Cola 5by20 Programme Director Scotland.
My role is to create and duplicate in other cities a business and Enterprise training programme and network support with will enhance the economic empowerment of women. This is part of a global initiative provided by soft drink giant – Coal -Cola. The initiative is called Cola-Cola 5by20 which aims to support 5 million women by 2020. This initiative was introduced in 2010, to date it has reached over 2.2 million women in over 60 different countries. 2016 saw Dundee as the First City in Western Europe to host this programme.
Since I took up post in march 2017 I remodelled the programme and delivery, introduced a support network that comprises of 30 lobal and national business, introduced a one week Fast Track Programme to business success programme, support panel pitch, follow on mentoring and many membership offers, including, free workshops and one-to one surgeries, supplier offers and payment instalment for key start up services, free membership with Dundee Angus Chamber of Commerce and ASS – all to ensure women get the right support and encouragement to make their business dream become a reality – and its working
What is your background prior to working for this company/setting up your company?
Amongst other roles, I have managed a strategic Scotland wide project as part of a national growth plan for Scotland’s Food and Drink industry. I have set up three successful social enterprise businesses and supported several new start-ups.
What makes your company and/or your role stand out?
I believe it’s the collaborative and person centred approach which I set out to foster from day one. Dundee has so many great resources for women to set up and grow their business. One of my aims was to facilitate this great eco system to all 5by20 participants, and in doing so position ourselves in the market as collaborative and supportive asset. In only 12 months we have set up great working relationships with Elevator/Accelerator, Business Gateway, Scottish Enterprise – see attached partnership list.
I also believe we stand out because we really do care! We care about each member as an individual not as stat or number but as a person who if given the right support and encouragement can, and will positively impact their community and family circle – bring lasting change.
What is your area of expertise / inspiration?
Listening and Engaging, helping other see what I see not what they have been conditioned to believe. Business start – up, Social Enterprise, Coaching, Facilitation, Partnership relations, Business planning, Marketing, Problem solving, Creativity.
What are your plans for the future?
Consolidate the programme over the next 12 months
Replicate this programme in another city and rural area
Develop and grow the network, support and model
Become a sustainable model
What inspires or motivates you?
Seeing others grow and develop, inner happiness and contentment. Happy and positive people.
