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"Our Unconference will focus on the causes of these triggers which cause doubt in many females, and ultimately block their business ideas coming to fruition."

Cat Ward Elevator Programme Lead

Women across Grampian and Tayside are being given a platform to discuss barriers and challenges which come with starting or running a business as Elevator poses the question: ‘What’s Stopping You?’

Supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, we launched a new initiative at the start of the year for women across the north east to access Royal Bank of Scotland’s crowdfunding programme, Back Her Business.

As part of the initiative, Elevator is hosting its first virtual Unconference to talk to women about what is stopping them embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey. Framed around the theme ‘Let’s Talk’, the event will help women across the region to identify and remove potential barriers.

Participants feedback will help Elevator to shape future events and activities. Consequently, the team will help them register for RBS Back Her Business to access support and reward-based funding.   

Led by Royal Bank and developed in partnership with Crowdfunder, Back Her Business has been designed to help women raise money for their concept or idea through crowdfunding. The partnership pledges to match funds of up to 50% towards an approved project’s crowdfunding target, with up to a maximum of £5,000.

Cat Ward, Programme Lead at Elevator, said: “Many women have ideas to help transform society, through reimagining and reinventing; however, there are triggers which cause doubt and ultimately block these ideas coming to fruition.

“Our Unconference will focus on the causes of these triggers, which in turn will enable our team to theme future workshops and events to ensure those registered are provided with the specific support they are looking for. Additionally, we will offer encouragement and inspiration for more women to become fearless with their thinking - turning adversity into opportunity.”

Emma Miller, Business Growth Enabler, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Current circumstances have transformed the way that people think and do business; that is why we are delighted to support Elevator’s virtual Unconference as part of its RBS Back Her Business initiative. 

“Providing participants with the opportunity to talk about the issues that matter to them and the help that they need is very much at the heart of the initiative.  We are delighted to be partnering Elevator and working with them to support female founders with the practical advice and help that they need.”

Elevator will host a number of events and workshops to shape its ‘What’s Stopping you?’ initiative – kicking off with its digital ‘Unconference’ on 27th August. Free places are available to book here.

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