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University of East London helps mums to become their own boss in business

Tuesday 10 July 2012

CEWE

The University of East London (UEL) has partnered with Mumsnet, the busiest online community for parents, to create an innovative business start-up programme, designed to support mums to develop the skills they need to start their own business.

Developed by women business experts at UEL’s Centre of Excellence for Women’s Entrepreneurship (CEWE), the Be Your Own Boss course will give women the knowledge and confidence they need to turn their entrepreneurial ambitions into reality, whilst also making an important contribution to the UK’s economic recovery.  If the UK had the same level of female entrepreneurship as the US, there would be an additional 600,000 female owned businesses, contributing an extra £42 billion to the economy.  

Through an online learning platform, Be Your Own Boss students will be able to access inspirational enterprise case studies, specialist business advice and get to grips with what they need to know to succeed in their first year in business.  To encourage them on their business journey, entrepreneurs will have access to events, seminars and workshops, hosted by CEWE, giving them the advice, knowledge and networks they need to start and grow their business.

Selena Bolingbroke, UEL Pro Vice-Chancellor said: “We know how hard it can be for women and mums in particular, to get started in business – they need inspiration to turn their ideas into a reality.  We are delighted to be working with Mumsnet to give women access to expert advice and the inspiration they need to start up their own business.  This course will help to untap the potential in the mumpreneur community and support women across the UK to be their own boss.”

Justine Roberts, Mumsnet co-founder and CEO, said: “This course is about giving parents the skills and confidence to fulfill their entrepreneurial potential. It is hard setting out on your own, so it is important to have the right tools and techniques to help your business thrive. Be You Own Boss skills-based sessions, expert advice and a peer-to-peer network will help participants take the plunge and avoid some of the pitfalls that can beset start-ups.”

Learners can register for the Be Your Own Boss course by visiting the Mumsnet Academy website, here

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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