New programme aims to help female entrepreneurs in Leeds

A new programme designed to empower female entrepreneurs in Leeds to achieve their business goals has been launched at Unity Business Centre.
Michael Crossland
By Michael Crossland
Published 27th Mar 2023, 16:45 BST

The Fund Her Leeds project aims to provide focussed support for selected female entrepreneurs, particularly those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, in areas including access to bespoke finance, readiness for growth and pitch deck preparation.

Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity Enterprise Chair, said: “I believe in powerful business partnerships. This is a fantastic partnership with Fund Her North, Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) and Leeds City Council who are all doing amazing things.”

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The programme will involve a combination of virtual and in-person events, and has been developed by Fund Her North in partnership with the YABA and backed by grant funding from Leeds City Council’s Innovation@Leeds programme.

Cllr Salma Arif, Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles at Leeds City Council, addressing the Fund Her Leeds launch event.Cllr Salma Arif, Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles at Leeds City Council, addressing the Fund Her Leeds launch event.
Cllr Salma Arif, Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles at Leeds City Council, addressing the Fund Her Leeds launch event.

The launch event, held at Unity Business Centre, included speeches from two senior elected members of Leeds City Council - Cllr Salma Arif, Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles, and Cllr Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Environment and Housing – together with contributions from YABA Board member Dally Purewal and Fund Her North co-founders Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham.

Welcoming participants, Jordan Dargue said: “To be able to grow a business successfully, you have got to bring investment in – whether that is grant-based investment, community investment or private equity. However, for every pound that goes into a male-founded business in the UK, only one penny goes into a female-founded business which is clearly very unbalanced.

“That is why it is so fantastic to see such see a diverse group of women in the room. I am delighted we are doing this programme at Unity Business Centre.”

Related topics:LeedsLeeds City Council