Friday 23rd March marks the end of a journey and the beginning of another for eight Coca-Cola 5by20 Fast Track to Business Success programme participants. During February the ladies embraced a week long intensive business and enterprise programme which saw them covering topics such as Marketing and Branding, Finance and Business Planning.
Today the participants, from across Dundee, Angus & Perthshire, will pitch their business idea to a support panel of local and national business experts who bring a wealth of skills, experience, advice and networks that will benefit many of the 5by20 participants.
Since conception the programme has developed a Business Support Network which comprises of 30 cross sector, local and national businesses and initiatives. It is estimated that this network has contributed over £80,000 of in-kind support since May 2017.
The network includes: RSB Lindsays, Abertay University, Henderson Loggie, EFM Financial Management, The Sales Coach, V&A Dundee, Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise.
The Coca-Cola 5by20 programme, run in partnership with, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce is designed to give women the best start in a safe and supportive environment. In 2017, 56 women participated in one or more of the 5by20 programmes and workshops. Of this number, 70% have either become self-employed or they have set up or are further developing their own business. 26% are currently being supported in the ‘idea development’ stage and the remaining 4% have gained employment.
Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce said “We’re proud to be working with the 5y20 programme – connecting private sector support into the creation and growth of women-led businesses in the region is hugely important.
Stimulating economic growth and job creation in Dundee & Angus is vital in building capacity and capability of businesses, and supporting those in our communities to create their own futures.
We need more businesses starting up and thriving in our region to take advantage of the wider regeneration and opportunities that is creating.”
Angie Foreman, Programme Director said “Today is the result of all the hard work, dedication and determination of each Coca-Cola 5by20 ‘Fast Tracker’.
For most, today has been their first experience of pitching to a panel, this takes hours of preparation not to mention a cocktail of emotions and nerves, I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the growth and development of each participant.
All 10 members of the support panel were impressed with the entrepreneurial flare and provided an array of advice, support and contacts that will give each lady a flying start.”
Karen Hamilton a previous participant said "The Coca-Cola 5by20 Fast Track to Business Success Programme has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and contacts that are giving me help and support to start my business.
The support panel had a broad variety of business knowledge and skills. They gave us constructive advice and offers of helpful support. It has also introduced us to networks with other businesses."
Coca-Cola 5by20 Dundee Programme
Coca-Cola’s global 5by20 programme, which aims to empower 5 million women entrepreneurs by 2020, launches in Dundee, Scotland
Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce
As the leading business membership organisation in Dundee & Angus and part of the worldwide long-established Chamber of Commerce brand, we help local businesses to connect, communicate and develop for business benefit.
