National Women’s Enterprise Week, which runs from Monday 17 to Friday 21 June, is designed to support and encourage women to start their own business. It’s the brainchild of entrepreneur Alison Cork MBE, in partnership with the British Library Business & IP Centre National Network.
Coworking spaces in the Devon Work Hubs network will be marking National Women’s Enterprise Week and National Freelancers Day next week (17-21 June).
Two of them, The Tribe and Newton Abbot Library’s Work:Space, will be joining forces to celebrate both events.
National Women’s Enterprise Week, which runs from Monday 17 to Friday 21 June, is designed to support and encourage women to start their own business. It’s the brainchild of entrepreneur Alison Cork MBE, in partnership with the British Library Business & IP Centre National Network.
It coincides with National Freelancers Day on Thursday 20 June, which is the biggest event of the year for IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.
Stacey Sheppard founder of The Tribe in Totnes, Devon’s first female coworking space, will be hosting a coworking event in Newton Abbot Library’s Work:Space from 9am-3pm on Thursday 20 June.
The event, “Coworking & Community Building”, is being held in collaboration with BIPC Devon, Devon Work Hubs, Libraries Unlimited and Teignbridge Town Council.
Faye Dicker, the founder of Freelance Mums, who runs award-winning, child-friendly business networking events for freelance mums across the UK will also talk and collaborate at the coworking event.
Stacey said: “Entrepreneurship can be a very lonely career path, particularly if you work from home and don’t have a team. For women, who often lack the support network and mentors necessary to start and grow a business, it can be even tougher. I initiated this coworking event in collaboration with Devon Work Hubs, Libraries Unlimited, and BIPC Devon for National Women’s Enterprise Week and National Freelancers Day to help create a more supportive eco-system for local women.
“It is so important that women know where they can go to find support when starting and growing a business. The pathway to entrepreneurship is not clear at all and the resources offered by BIPC Devon and the coworking spaces in the Devon Work Hubs network are integral as they provide support, advice, signposting and networking that women so badly need.”
Richard Love, Business Support Manager at Libraries Unlimited, said: “Many of the attendees to Women in Business want more opportunities to meet like-minded female entrepreneurs. The partnership with The Tribe and Work:Space to offer coworking and networking days in Newton Abbot is the perfect way to do that. Stacey Sheppard’s Tribe is a brilliant example of a welcoming coworking space, fostering friendships and collaboration, which really helps when starting out on your business journey.”
The coworking sessions are a part of the Women in Business course, running for seven weeks through June and July at Newton Abbot Library Work:Space, a member of the Devon Work Hubs network. The free course is delivered predominantly by Devon-based businesswomen who want to empower others to realise their full potential and pursue their dream careers. It offers a mixture of core business skills in marketing, sales, leadership, web design, tax and accounting as well as mindset and coaching skills.
Stacey Sheppard has taught on the Women in Business course for the past few years. She approached BIPC Devon this year with the idea to incorporate coworking days into the Women in Business course to enable women taking the course to work on their businesses together, implement their new skills and network with other local female entrepreneurs.
You can sign up to BIPC Devon events and courses at https://bipc.librariesunlimited.org.uk/ and find more about Libraries Unlimited Work:Spaces and room hire at https://www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/workspace/
Other Work Hubs hosting events include:
Generator Hub in Exeter –
Offering a free trial day for any new members on National Freelancers Day (Thursday 20 June) and for any women on any day throughout the week of National Women’s Enterprise Week (17-21 June). This offer is open to new members only (one trial day per person) and booking is essential via space@generatorhub.co.uk
Riina Lehtoviita, Community Manager at the Generator Hub in Exeter, said: “At the Generator Hub in Exeter, we know first hand how important it is to feel part of a connected, friendly community – somewhere where you can get to know people and them you, a place to bounce ideas, collaborate, share your successes and gather feedback. Or to just break up the day a bit with a coffee and chat or an ice-cream on the quayside now the weather’s getting better.
“Working from a coworking space can really boost your mental health, relationships and productivity. We’ve heard so many stories about this from many of our members who love being part of our vibrant community, and we always feel inspired to share the good vibes we’ve got going here when we can.”
RegenWorks, Dartington Hall, Totnes –
RegenWorks is offering 10 free trial spaces for freelancers to experience its workspace in the historic Dartington Estate at its Community Open Day from 8am – 8pm on Thursday 20 June.
The estate features on-site cafes, a restaurant, pub, cinema, dance studios, Grade II listed gardens, and a 1000-acre estate complete with a river and multiple swimming spots. Its coworking space is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including multiple meeting rooms, call pods, hot desks, personal desks, and private offices, ensuring that freelancers have everything they need to succeed.
Ben Whately, Co-founder of RegenWorks, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in our community, utilize our top-notch facilities, and discover how RegenWorks can enhance your productivity and well-being.
“The Community Open Day will culminate in an evening of networking and inspiration. Join us for delicious pizzas, refreshing drinks and short, impactful presentations that will showcase the diverse and groundbreaking work being done within our community. It’s a chance to connect, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations in a relaxed and friendly setting.”
Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/co-working-and-community-regenworks-tickets-920162409537
Makers Mews, Ivybridge –
Free hotdesking afternoon/evening with business advice and fireside chit chat on Wednesday 19 June from 2pm-7:30pm at Makers Mews CIC. Full details are available on the Makers Mews website.
For more information about Devon Work Hubs go to www.devonworkhubs.co.uk
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