Programme for Growth

5th & 6th September 2024 - APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR MEMBERS

The BWS Programme for Growth is an online course and is a step-by-step guide for growing and scaling your business. It's a blueprint road map to take your business to the next level.

The BWS Programme for Growth is designed to help take business to the next level. The 2 day Programme aims to encourage and support entrepreneurs with growing businesses, create prosperity and ultimately jobs. Running and growing a business can be a lonely place and at this stage, business owners may lose momentum. 

Supported by Scotland Can Do, the two-day on line course allows participants the opportunity to take time out of their business to work on it.

As well as talks and seminars on strategy and business planning, there’s advice on decision making, motivation and all-important finance. There’s also a unique chance to present your business to a panel of specialists who can offer bespoke guidance.The outcome

BWS have created these seminars to help you to grow your business. After the final seminar, each participant will have the opportunity to present to a panel of specialists from different areas of business who will be able to provide advice and support. Every participant will leave equipped with further information to assist in their business growth and help them confidently expand their business.The guide to help you decide how to market and grow your business, and plan out your future business model. We cover these 6 points for your roadmap to success.

Ready to join us?

The guide to help you decide how to market and grow your business, and plan out your future business model.
We cover these 6 points for your roadmap to success. The end result? Women moving forward confidently to expand their business. 

  • Mindset

    In this module, we will cover Mindset. How we feel creates the thoughts we think, which determine what we do. Let do of limiting beliefs and ensure you feel the way you need to in order to take action.

  • Purpose

    How do you use your purpose to create your brand and business? You will conduct a competitive analysis and learn how to stand out.

  • Audience

    Discover what your customers want and how to cultivate a community that knows and trusts you. Find out what your customers like and what they trust.

  • Revenue

    Lean how to make more money and keep more money by understanding how to manage money and cash flow.

  • Systems

    Having systems in place that lets your business work for you instead of the other way around, allowing you to maintain a work-life balance and allowing it to grow.

  • Growth

    With personal and personal development, your business will grow just as much as you.

What to expect on Day 1

When to Scale

  • Identifying the Right Time

  • Understanding the growth potential of your business

  • Evaluating market conditions and demand

  • Assessing internal readiness for growth

  • Identifying key indicators for scaling

Strategies for Business Growth

  • Expanding your market reach

  • Developing new products or services

  • Increasing sales and marketing efforts

  • Building strategic partnerships

  • Exploring international expansion opportunities

Seeking Investment for Growth

  • Understanding different sources of investment

  • Researching and approaching venture capitalists

  • Exploring angel investors and crowdfunding platforms

  • Pitching your business effectively

  • Negotiating funding terms and agreements

Growing Your Team

  • Identifying skill gaps and hiring needs

  • Determining when to hire employees vs. freelancers

  • Recruitment strategies and best practices

  • Onboarding and integrating new team members

  • Creating a positive and inclusive work culture

Accounts and Financial Management

  • Importance of understanding your numbers

  • Financial statements and key performance indicators

  • Budgeting and cash flow management

  • Seeking professional accounting and financial advice

  • Using technology and tools for efficient financial management

Writing the Next Business

  • Evaluating your current business

  • Setting new goals and objectives

  • Conducting market research and competitive analysis

  • Developing a strategic roadmap for growth

  • Communicating your vision and plan effectively

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Recap of key takeaways from the training

  • Action planning for participants

  • Providing additional resources and support networking opportunities

Day 2

On Day 2 each business owner has 30minutes with the business panel. The panel of entrepreneurs will pledge offers of help and introduce their contacts to them to help them with their business.

Testimonials

Thinking of coming on the next round of Programme for Growth? Listen to previous candidates talk about their experience below.

Meet the Panel

Alan Morrison

PR Practitioner
ASM Media

Barbara Brown

PR Practitioner
ASM Media

Peter Samson

PR Practitioner
ASM Media

Sandra MacLean

PR Practitioner
ASM Media

June Walker

PR Practitioner
ASM Media

Michelle Ferguson

PR Practitioner
ASM Media

Jane Grant

PR Practitioner
ASM Media

Yvonne Greeves

PR Practitioner
ASM Media

Programme for Growth Supporters

Spotlight: Rickie Tank

Rickie Tank took part in Programme for Growth after setting up Home Help Me Care with Diane Francey. Providing care at home services for older people, including those with dementia, in the Edinburgh area, the business launched with less than £500 of funding in 2017, going on to turn over £1.2m in just over three years. Rickie puts those figures down to the success of participating in Programme for Growth.

“We wanted to grow our business and, like many business owners, were so invested in working in the business we weren’t spending enough time developing and shaping our future growth,” said Rickie.

“Pitching to a panel of business experts helped us validate that we had good core values, we needed to propel forward and we shouldn’t hesitate to sell ourselves as a premium care service. We went straight on to conclude a lease on a new office and undertake a £40,000 renovation. Programme for Growth gave us the confidence to make such a big investment, an important step in locating ourselves in the heart of our community.”

The women met Ros Taylor of RCT Leadership at Programme for Growth and went on to work with her on executive coaching. They also made contacts with Royal Bank of Scotland key contacts and joined RBS Accelerator.

“A huge benefit was meeting other female entrepreneurs and we have gone on to collaborate with Michelle Milne of Property Studios, who we worked with to design our new shop front and essentially redefine our brand,” added Rickie.

“And Celia Joicey of Dovecot Studios arranged access to art exhibitions for our clients. Some have dementia and having access to the arts warms their hearts as they recall their favourite artists.

“There’s a lot to be said for meeting like-minded female leaders, we thank Business Women Scotland for starting us on our journey.”