What’s Your Reason?

Come out of your box with Leicester Business Women

“Because I wanted the freedom to work around

my children, make my own decisions and to watch my ideas

become a reality”

Welcome to Leicester Business Women. We are an exciting project to support local females living in Leicester. This project has been funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Working Neighbourhood Funds (WNF) and aims to help women overcome internal barriers to starting up their own business with training support designed to increase self confidence and motivation. Leicester Business Women is here to help local women who have thought of starting their own business but don’t have the skills or knowledge to go ahead with it. You don’t have to be a business expert or have lots of experience to become self employed. You just need a business idea and the drive and commitment to start! We provide simple, easy to understand help and support every step of the way by working along side women in all aspects of setting up their own business from looking at your ideas, increasing your confidence through to the financials. The programme provides access to one to one advice and coaching and regular networking events. In addition, free workshops will be available to clients and will cover all of the above elements. Leicester Business Women training and coaching sessions will take place in a number of locations across the city so that they are easily accessible to clients. For further information, please contact Heena Mistry or Nicole Hocking on 0116 2518 730.

Training Support You’ve thought about starting your own business, or have a hobby that you’d like to make an income from, but are not sure about your next steps, perhaps you are looking for some motivation to see your idea through and want some guidance with the practicalities of setting up your own business. Although it may seem daunting at first, you will soon find out that there are many women in the same position as you, thinking exactly the very same thing! The Leicester Business Women programme of workshops have been designed with YOU in mind. Our support is second to none, and we pride ourselves on the number of women that have developed in confidence and their business through our programme. The programme of workshops covers specific areas such as:

Key elements to consider when setting up Developing your confidence

Focusing on your vision to make it a reality Learning about cash flow forecasts and profit and l oss accounts

Overcoming obstacles How to benefit from your unique selling point

Throughout the workshops, you will see yourself develop and you will feel inspired and motivated by the other women around you. Take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about the workshops:

“Thank you and my tutor Lou for the inspiration and power

that you have given me” Marina Saridaki

“It was thoroughly enjoyable and engaging. I learne d an awful lot at the level I

needed to purse my business idea” Julie Darroch

“Super course and hope it continues to give women t he opportunity to follow their dreams”

Ranjana Kotecha

“I enjoyed the mix of group activities, presentatio ns as well as discussion - also how activities were geared to what I'm doing for my business so I am more

focused and know what step to take next” Mahsuda Snaith

“Tutor was extremely knowledgeable, down to earth a nd motivating!”

Lois McNab

One to One Advice Many people regularly use a coach or advisor to help them develop both their professional careers, as well as the ongoing development of their business. However the cost of coaching support can be very expensive, sometimes costing as much as £250 per hour! Our one to one advice and coaching support is split into a number of categories:

• Pre start support (including confidence building; m otivation; business planning)

• Pre start support (focus on finance) • Business Health Check (once you have just started y our business) • Business growth plan (a 60 day focus on your busine ss putting into place

ideas and strategies to grow your business or gain new contacts / clients / referrals straight to you)

There are a number of ways that meeting with your coach will be able to help you:

Guidance in starting up your business Support with self confidence and motivation

Any finance queries you may have Help and guidance with your marketing and business plan

How to move forward with your business idea Providing you with key business contacts and client s / customers

that you can form a long term partnership with Our advisors help you gain clarity as to which actions to take first, where to focus in order to gain maximum benefit and also how to deal with occasional overwhelm! It is important, however, in order for you to benefit from your advice session, that you take time to prepare. This means thinking about what is important to you now in order to progress your business plan or idea and, if possible, specifics about how you would like your coach to assist you, including bringing questions relating to the areas you want to address. Please also ensure you have pen and paper to take notes, as the greatest value you will gain from your coaching is in actually taking action on the points agreed during the session when you return to your business. Leicester Business Women is a project that is fully funded and therefore, we are able to offer this valuable service to you at no cost! Please be aware there are many other clients waiting for an appointment therefore if you don't turn up, someone else loses the opportunity of taking your appointment and Leicester Business Women also lose valuable funding needed to continue to provide you with this service. Should you need to re arrange, please contact a member of the Leicester Business Women team on 0116 2518 730 Our advisors have different areas of expertise such as Marketing; Finance; Confidence and Grant Finding. So, check if you are eligible for the service today by contacting us on 0116 2518 730, ask for either Heena or Nicole.

Cappuccino Corner Networking Events Following the programme of workshops, you will be able to attend a number of Cappuccino Corner (networking) events. These are informative informal groups that have been arranged for you to network and share experiences. Each session is themed with a different topic to help you get started and develop yourself, your business and your contacts. In addition, a Leicester Business Women coach will be present at each event to answer any queries or concerns that you have. Some of our topics for 2012 include: A Positive and Healthy You for 2012; Making The Most of the Olympics and Queens Jubilee Year and Focusing on Your Finances. Leicester Business Women web portal These days, marketing can cost an absolute fortune and when you’re setting up in business it isn't always practical or possible for you to spend this amount of money to find new clients. By joining the Leicester Business Women web portal you are able to market for FREE as well as access a wealth of information surrounding starting up your own business. The Leicester Business Women web portal is here to help your business succeed with lots of information and interactive elements to help you network online. We have a growing online community of approximately 300 members and this is growing everyday. So this is the perfect opportunity for you to get your business started and gain some new interest. Take a look at the many ways that the Leicester Business Women web portal can help you:

Guidance on the practicalities of setting up in bus iness Tips on developing your self confidence How to move out of your comfort zone

Develop your business Promote your own events online through our online c alendar

Network in a safe environment online Join groups and discussions to help others

Use your blog or wall space to promote your busines s or special offers Ask questions where you are unsure of your next ste ps

It’s easy and FREE to join, just log on at www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk and see how many new people you would be able to market your business to. Contact Leicester Business Women today to find out whether you are eligible for the programme and take your first step to your new business success! Call us today on 0116 2518 730 or by joining our web portal at www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk

Leicester Business Women have supported over 200 women since

the project began in September 2009. Many of these women have gone onto start their own businesses, with some of them starting more than one business, clearly showing

how effective the Leicester Business Women programme is in encouraging and empowering local women from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds to support

themselves. Some of our successes have been highlighted over the following pages.

Leena Mistry Leena previously worked in the social care industry and with her experience and knowledge wanted to provide an improved service which she felt the industry very much needed. Leena has now set up New Leaf Family Services offering a prevention and quality service allowing more families to come together by offering the skills to enable a positive assessment. So, how did Leena do it? One of the things that all Leicester Business Women staff noticed about Leena was her enthusiasm and total commitment to this idea and her ability to not let a NO get her down! Although, Leena does talk about some of her barriers which include other people’s lack of confidence in her idea and the feeling of failure, she does go onto say “I “I “I “I tttthink barriers will always present themselves in hink barriers will always present themselves in hink barriers will always present themselves in hink barriers will always present themselves in different ways its about being positive and different ways its about being positive and different ways its about being positive and different ways its about being positive and seeing an solution every time even when you don’t want to.”seeing an solution every time even when you don’t want to.”seeing an solution every time even when you don’t want to.”seeing an solution every time even when you don’t want to.” After completing the Leicester Business Women training programme, Leena made sure that she made the most of the services that Leicester Business Women offer by meeting with her advisor – Jacqui Tillyard on a regular basis and ensuring that she completed her action points after each session. “Jacqui Tillyard supported me personally and helped me Jacqui Tillyard supported me personally and helped me Jacqui Tillyard supported me personally and helped me Jacqui Tillyard supported me personally and helped me focus when at times I wanted to give up. I personally would focus when at times I wanted to give up. I personally would focus when at times I wanted to give up. I personally would focus when at times I wanted to give up. I personally would recommend her as she certainly recommend her as she certainly recommend her as she certainly recommend her as she certainly has got me to this point and helped me think differently about myself.has got me to this point and helped me think differently about myself.has got me to this point and helped me think differently about myself.has got me to this point and helped me think differently about myself.”””” In addition, Leena also attends the networking events on a regular basis as its fun and interesting as well as motivational for new businesses. ““““I have gI have gI have gI have gained two excellent friends from the ained two excellent friends from the ained two excellent friends from the ained two excellent friends from the networking and they have been a great support late night calls coaching a telling off which networking and they have been a great support late night calls coaching a telling off which networking and they have been a great support late night calls coaching a telling off which networking and they have been a great support late night calls coaching a telling off which keeps me on the straight and narrow. Itkeeps me on the straight and narrow. Itkeeps me on the straight and narrow. Itkeeps me on the straight and narrow. It’’’’s been really great and continues to be sharing our s been really great and continues to be sharing our s been really great and continues to be sharing our s been really great and continues to be sharing our adventures with one another as we aladventures with one another as we aladventures with one another as we aladventures with one another as we all feel similar. Running and setting up your own l feel similar. Running and setting up your own l feel similar. Running and setting up your own l feel similar. Running and setting up your own business business business business can be scary itcan be scary itcan be scary itcan be scary it’’’’s nice to share with others.s nice to share with others.s nice to share with others.s nice to share with others.”””” ““““The support which I have received from Leicester Business Women has been excellent and The support which I have received from Leicester Business Women has been excellent and The support which I have received from Leicester Business Women has been excellent and The support which I have received from Leicester Business Women has been excellent and always positive and flexible in my requirements. I would say always positive and flexible in my requirements. I would say always positive and flexible in my requirements. I would say always positive and flexible in my requirements. I would say I have been quite a challenging I have been quite a challenging I have been quite a challenging I have been quite a challenging applicant yet the team have always been able to support with not just the business but with applicant yet the team have always been able to support with not just the business but with applicant yet the team have always been able to support with not just the business but with applicant yet the team have always been able to support with not just the business but with myself as an individual and have (and continue to) support and educate me in making the myself as an individual and have (and continue to) support and educate me in making the myself as an individual and have (and continue to) support and educate me in making the myself as an individual and have (and continue to) support and educate me in making the current decisions to assist with taking my bcurrent decisions to assist with taking my bcurrent decisions to assist with taking my bcurrent decisions to assist with taking my business forward.usiness forward.usiness forward.usiness forward.””””

And we’re also very proud to say that Leena has won the Shell Live Wire Awards this month too! Well done!!! For those of you looking to start a business, here are Leena’s top tips for setting up:

1. Planning with plenty of time whether that is a b usiness plan or target market or funding options,

2. Believe in yourself and the dream and 3. Be open to learning and developing as this will always help you grow.

““““I feel that it is essential for Leicester Business Women to be around as its almost like parents. I feel that it is essential for Leicester Business Women to be around as its almost like parents. I feel that it is essential for Leicester Business Women to be around as its almost like parents. I feel that it is essential for Leicester Business Women to be around as its almost like parents. I’m going off to university and I clock in from time to time to let them know how I am doing. I’m going off to university and I clock in from time to time to let them know how I am doing. I’m going off to university and I clock in from time to time to let them know how I am doing. I’m going off to university and I clock in from time to time to let them know how I am doing. Its great like a comfort blanket as a child.Its great like a comfort blanket as a child.Its great like a comfort blanket as a child.Its great like a comfort blanket as a child.””””

Lois McNab & Gina Samuels Lois McNab joined Leicester Business Women in May 2010 when she heard about the programme through the Leicester Link magazine. Since then, Lois with her partner Gina went onto set up their business – Kinetic Law Services in August 2010 after attending the Leicester Business Women training programme. The business has been set up as a co operative enterprise as the structure suits their values. She goes onto mention, ““““We have attended training and networking events which we founWe have attended training and networking events which we founWe have attended training and networking events which we founWe have attended training and networking events which we found helpful in developing d helpful in developing d helpful in developing d helpful in developing contacts not only for our company but also to refer to other individuals and organisations we contacts not only for our company but also to refer to other individuals and organisations we contacts not only for our company but also to refer to other individuals and organisations we contacts not only for our company but also to refer to other individuals and organisations we know. We appreciate the referrals we have received from Leicester Business Women and word know. We appreciate the referrals we have received from Leicester Business Women and word know. We appreciate the referrals we have received from Leicester Business Women and word know. We appreciate the referrals we have received from Leicester Business Women and word of mouth recommendations from other contacts.of mouth recommendations from other contacts.of mouth recommendations from other contacts.of mouth recommendations from other contacts.”””” Lois and Gina noticed a gap in the legal market by providing a holistic approach where the client is guided to find their own solutions. This is an innovative way of providing a legal service which caters for the well being of their clients as they had found through their 32 years of combined experience of the legal world, when the client presents a problem in one area of their life, it can and does impact on other areas of their life. Lois goes onto talk about how “setting up and developing your own busin“setting up and developing your own busin“setting up and developing your own busin“setting up and developing your own business allows you the ess allows you the ess allows you the ess allows you the freedom to be creative and plan your day and how you would like to spend itfreedom to be creative and plan your day and how you would like to spend itfreedom to be creative and plan your day and how you would like to spend itfreedom to be creative and plan your day and how you would like to spend it........”””” For them, the main challenges in starting a business were not becoming overwhelmed with the idea of starting a business and ensuring that you have quality time at home – including time for yourself and your family. Lois’s advice to others wanting to set up a business is to allow yourself at least a year from conception, ““““EEEEverything has a growth process and developing a verything has a growth process and developing a verything has a growth process and developing a verything has a growth process and developing a business is no different.”business is no different.”business is no different.”business is no different.” Her advice for other women setting up in business is:

• Develop your self belief – the potential is within you! • Draw on your experience, knowledge and skills from friends, colleagues

and family around you. • Decide on an idea that stirs your spirit and a way WILL be found!

See some of the comments from Kinetic Law Services below: “I am happy to recommend you to anyone who needs help of any kind.“I am happy to recommend you to anyone who needs help of any kind.“I am happy to recommend you to anyone who needs help of any kind.“I am happy to recommend you to anyone who needs help of any kind. I found you I found you I found you I found you approachable; both sympathetic and empathetic, your advice was always clear, concise and approachable; both sympathetic and empathetic, your advice was always clear, concise and approachable; both sympathetic and empathetic, your advice was always clear, concise and approachable; both sympathetic and empathetic, your advice was always clear, concise and easy to understand easy to understand easy to understand easy to understand and your approach to my problem was exactly what was required.and your approach to my problem was exactly what was required.and your approach to my problem was exactly what was required.and your approach to my problem was exactly what was required. When I When I When I When I was feeling completely overwhelmed you efficiently dealt with all issues without being was feeling completely overwhelmed you efficiently dealt with all issues without being was feeling completely overwhelmed you efficiently dealt with all issues without being was feeling completely overwhelmed you efficiently dealt with all issues without being patronising or uncaring.patronising or uncaring.patronising or uncaring.patronising or uncaring. I was more than impressed. I was more than impressed. I was more than impressed. I was more than impressed. ““““ S.Parry, Wolverhampton

“T“T“T“The Applicant was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and asked me to convey a he Applicant was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and asked me to convey a he Applicant was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and asked me to convey a he Applicant was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and asked me to convey a special thank you to Instructing Solicitor for her kind assistance.special thank you to Instructing Solicitor for her kind assistance.special thank you to Instructing Solicitor for her kind assistance.special thank you to Instructing Solicitor for her kind assistance.””””

Please see www.kineticlawservices.co.uk for further details about services.

Rehana Sidat Rehana Sidat joined the Leicester Business Women programme in September 2009, since then she has been able to set up her training consultancy company – Transparent Training in November 2009. Rehana is a mother of 4 young children, she works part time and has also completed her degree. As well as these responsibilities, she makes the time towards her business. She has proved that it is possible to juggle all of those tasks that many women face on a daily basis and still be successful. She mentions that she has, ““““had to make the decision to cut down on some of the things that she had to make the decision to cut down on some of the things that she had to make the decision to cut down on some of the things that she had to make the decision to cut down on some of the things that she enjoys doing like volunteering, which she still does but not as often,”enjoys doing like volunteering, which she still does but not as often,”enjoys doing like volunteering, which she still does but not as often,”enjoys doing like volunteering, which she still does but not as often,” however this is one of the sacrifices that she has had to make in order to pursue her dream of being self employed. Rehana wanted to become her own boss because when working for someone else – even in a management post, “you are answerable to others, and this c“you are answerable to others, and this c“you are answerable to others, and this c“you are answerable to others, and this can sometimes be an sometimes be an sometimes be an sometimes be frustrating, especially when you see an opportunity to benefit the organisation, but cannot frustrating, especially when you see an opportunity to benefit the organisation, but cannot frustrating, especially when you see an opportunity to benefit the organisation, but cannot frustrating, especially when you see an opportunity to benefit the organisation, but cannot act on it.”act on it.”act on it.”act on it.” In addition, Rehana enjoys learning from others and sharing her own experiences with those around her. She goes onto say that, “I am pas“I am pas“I am pas“I am passionate about sionate about sionate about sionate about making a difference to others and the world we live in.”making a difference to others and the world we live in.”making a difference to others and the world we live in.”making a difference to others and the world we live in.” Amongst other things, she feels that it is the ability to make a difference to other people’s lives and inspiring others and being a role model to others that really motivates Rehana, Once on the Leicester Business Women programme, Rehana accessed all of the support that was available to her through Leicester Business Women including one to one coaching, training workshops, networking events and networking on the web portal. She has found that the support provided was, ““““vital to her setting up in business.”vital to her setting up in business.”vital to her setting up in business.”vital to her setting up in business.” And she feels that without this support and encouragement, it would’ve taken her a lot longer to set up her business. Although it was sometimes a struggle to get the company up and running, and at times Rehana felt restrained and frustrated, she has however managed to overcome these barriers and found a way to make it work for her, in fact Rehana is also now training as a Leicester Business Women trainer, which just goes to show how much Leicester Business Women are prepared to help make your dream a reality! Rehana goes on to mention that, “I thought it would take a lot longer, and I’m sure it would have if I had not “I thought it would take a lot longer, and I’m sure it would have if I had not “I thought it would take a lot longer, and I’m sure it would have if I had not “I thought it would take a lot longer, and I’m sure it would have if I had not received the training, support and advice to set up in business!”received the training, support and advice to set up in business!”received the training, support and advice to set up in business!”received the training, support and advice to set up in business!”

Rehana’s words for those women in the same position, trying to juggle their daily tasks with setting up a business or thinking about setting up a business are:

• Believe in yourself and surround yourself with thos e that believe in you! • If at first you don’t succeed, then try again (and again) but don’t give up! • Success is not what society perceives it to be, but what YOU perceive to be

success – so don’t let other people hold you back!

Rehana’s passion plan from the programme

Kathy Hector Leicester Business Women helped Kathy launch Latin Fit in March 2010 with the support of the Leicester Business Women training programme and one to one advice, not to mention the Cappuccino Corner events. Latin Fit was a way to make money and get back into shape after pregnancy. She believes that if everyone was a lot fitter they would not have so many medical costs and would learn to be and live healthier. Kathy already has sports and fitness qualifications so is aware of the issues surrounding fitness regimes. So where did the enthusiasm for dancing develop? Well, Kathy used to live in the Caribbean for 7 years, and with lots of Spanish friends dancing was a key part of Kathy’s life. The ideal way to incorporate a healthy lifestyle with something she loved was Latin Fit. Kathy also feels that the freedom self employment gives you is amazing, “I don’t want “I don’t want “I don’t want “I don’t want anybody telling me what time I can eat, how long to take and the hours that I should work.”anybody telling me what time I can eat, how long to take and the hours that I should work.”anybody telling me what time I can eat, how long to take and the hours that I should work.”anybody telling me what time I can eat, how long to take and the hours that I should work.” Although, there are many barriers to starting in self employment, such as negativity from others around you and childcare arrangements, Kathy still loves what she does. She talks about her very first class, as something she felt absolutely sick about, “the “the “the “the thought of standing in front of those people, and having them follow me was making me thought of standing in front of those people, and having them follow me was making me thought of standing in front of those people, and having them follow me was making me thought of standing in front of those people, and having them follow me was making me extremely nervous extremely nervous extremely nervous extremely nervous –––– I really felt th I really felt th I really felt th I really felt that I wouldn’t be able to do it, and almost cancelled the at I wouldn’t be able to do it, and almost cancelled the at I wouldn’t be able to do it, and almost cancelled the at I wouldn’t be able to do it, and almost cancelled the class!”class!”class!”class!” However, she is extremely grateful to herself and her positive family and friends who made sure that she went to the class, and of course, it wasn’t as bad as she thought. Having attended the Leicester Business Women workshops, networking events and coaching, Kathy has been able to develop a great networking database of clients and at the same time develop her own abilities in herself. “I love the fact that when you call I love the fact that when you call I love the fact that when you call I love the fact that when you call Leicester Business WLeicester Business WLeicester Business WLeicester Business Women, everyone knows who you are, what you do and what you’re omen, everyone knows who you are, what you do and what you’re omen, everyone knows who you are, what you do and what you’re omen, everyone knows who you are, what you do and what you’re talking about. The organisation of this programme is absolutely brilliant! I can’t thank the talking about. The organisation of this programme is absolutely brilliant! I can’t thank the talking about. The organisation of this programme is absolutely brilliant! I can’t thank the talking about. The organisation of this programme is absolutely brilliant! I can’t thank the team including the trainers enough!”team including the trainers enough!”team including the trainers enough!”team including the trainers enough!” Having now started her business, Kathy is a lot more aware of what is required, her advice to you:

• When borrowing money – try and borrow for the best equipment, and think about what else you may need (in Kathy’s case, she wishes she had some more money for Latin Fit outfits to promote the brand more)

Kathy’s top tips for starting in business:

1. Find out your 'why'. Why do you want to start y our own business? Be honest and be real. Have some alone time to write down your deepest, most honest reasons. Is it because 'I want to be m y own boss'...or is it ' I can do a much better job than that boss I work for. It's about time I worked for MYSELF and MY FAMILY? Your 'why' will keep you going during the tough times.

2. When you've made the decision to start your own business, then DO IT. Don't 'try it out'. Feel it in your heart and never waver from your p ath of decision. Feel it in every cell of your body. Rem ember your 'why', and nurture it with every bit emotion you have.

3. For the 3rd top tip, refer to the fine words o f Marianne Williamson, spoken by Nelson Mandela as part of his Inauguration Speech i n 1994: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Find this online, print it out and put it somewhere that you will see every day. I wish you every success!!!

Kathy’s ideas of her business whilst in a café

Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan is local social entrepreneur who started her business with the help of the Leicester Business Women programme through one to one coaching, workshops and networking events. Zinthiya has set up the TomorrowTogether Ltd which is a social enterprise undertaking a hive of activity including cleaning, leaflet distribution, catering and arts and crafts activities, and is also currently working alongside women in prison in Peterborough. This enterprise started in February 2010 and employs 2 permanent employees and several casual people. The social enterprise developed from the activity of the Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan Trust which provided women in long term unemployment and who have found their way in to crime with a career and employment guidance and a drop in facility. Zinthiya found that there were a number of women with various skills who were unable to find work, the idea of a social enterprise designed to provide the services that these women could offer was a pragmatic solution to their problems. Many women are unsure of the demands on their time when setting up their own business, however Zinthiya finds that the most enjoyable aspect of being self employed is the flexibility that it brings, and of course with young children this is quite an appealing prospect. In addition, meeting new people always brings with it a range of opportunities, whether they be referrals in or out, or just learning new aspects to other people’s businesses. Clearly, you have to know everything to run your own business, but don’t be frightened by this, because you will want to know everything as it’s your baby! One of the main barriers for Zinthiya was securing funding for this venture, when you’re looking to set up a company, it is very important to be aware of how to sell your idea / services. She mentions that at times she found it de motivating, but then remembered that at the end of the day she was doing it as she had the passion to make it succeed and the commitment to make it work, and a desire to help others. On a more personal note, Zinthiya found that she was not entirely confident in selling herself or her business concept to others, and this is where Leicester Business Women were able to help, Zinthiya states, “The Leicester Business Women programme has been instrumental in “The Leicester Business Women programme has been instrumental in “The Leicester Business Women programme has been instrumental in “The Leicester Business Women programme has been instrumental in helping to overcome my low self esteem and confidence, anhelping to overcome my low self esteem and confidence, anhelping to overcome my low self esteem and confidence, anhelping to overcome my low self esteem and confidence, and provides a fantastic opportunity d provides a fantastic opportunity d provides a fantastic opportunity d provides a fantastic opportunity to develop, get out of your comfort zone and meet other women in the same situation. At the to develop, get out of your comfort zone and meet other women in the same situation. At the to develop, get out of your comfort zone and meet other women in the same situation. At the to develop, get out of your comfort zone and meet other women in the same situation. At the same time, it is an opportunity to learn about the more practical sides of business like same time, it is an opportunity to learn about the more practical sides of business like same time, it is an opportunity to learn about the more practical sides of business like same time, it is an opportunity to learn about the more practical sides of business like negotiation skills, finance and marketinegotiation skills, finance and marketinegotiation skills, finance and marketinegotiation skills, finance and marketing.”ng.”ng.”ng.” She mentions that you soon realise that you’re not the only one feeling like this which is very comforting. She continues to add that it is through the workshops that you see yourself develop and it motivates you being around others in similar situations. As well as Leicester Business Women Zinthiya received support from UNLTD and ESF. Zinthiya has accessed all the

support that Leicester Business Women offer from coaching through to the networking events and web portal where she can promote events and network with other women online. Zinthiya adds “the web portal is brilliant as people can see what you do and it is “the web portal is brilliant as people can see what you do and it is “the web portal is brilliant as people can see what you do and it is “the web portal is brilliant as people can see what you do and it is another form of marketing!”another form of marketing!”another form of marketing!”another form of marketing!” See some of Zinthiya’s top tips for setting up in business below:

• Make sure you never under price yourself, no matter how tempting it may seem to do this, you are undervaluing your services by not providing an accurate price that reflects your skills, abilities and experience.

• Never be scared of the competition! • Networking is crucial, so always make some time for this. • Have the commitment and enthusiasm to make your bus iness succeed. • Take the opportunity of any training available to y ou as life is about

learning and development. On a final note, Zinthiya mentioned, “the “the “the “the Leicester Business Women workshops haLeicester Business Women workshops haLeicester Business Women workshops haLeicester Business Women workshops have been ve been ve been ve been extremely helpful to me, it would be difficult to quantify this, but what I can say is that it is extremely helpful to me, it would be difficult to quantify this, but what I can say is that it is extremely helpful to me, it would be difficult to quantify this, but what I can say is that it is extremely helpful to me, it would be difficult to quantify this, but what I can say is that it is only through the workshops and coaching that I had been able to go forward with my business only through the workshops and coaching that I had been able to go forward with my business only through the workshops and coaching that I had been able to go forward with my business only through the workshops and coaching that I had been able to go forward with my business idea, and develop my confidence idea, and develop my confidence idea, and develop my confidence idea, and develop my confidence –––– so I’m glad that I atten so I’m glad that I atten so I’m glad that I atten so I’m glad that I attended.”ded.”ded.”ded.”

Zinthiya’s passion plan from the programme