A SHENSTONE entrepreneur is urging more women to explore schemes helping local businesses to grow.
Sophie Shelley accessed the Women in Business and Get Started and Grow programmes after taking on a franchise with House of Colour UK.
The Staffordshire County Council schemes provide advice through initiatives such as start-up workshops, business support, mentoring and networking opportunities in a bid to help new companies succeed.
Sophie, who works from her home studio, said:
“It’s been a lot harder starting out than I thought it would be, so it’s great to get the support from Staffordshire County Council through programmes like Get Started and Grow and Women in Business.
“Initially I didn’t realise how much I would have to rely on social media, so the Get Started and Grow session on how to use it effectively to market my business was really useful.
“Then I went along to the Women in Business sessions – it’s amazing to spend that time with other women who are also taking that leap. You realise you’re not on your own.
“The biggest learning curve was learning to embrace social media and marketing. I’ve gone from somebody who was frightened to death of being on camera to being completely unworried about it.”
Cllr Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said:
“Our comprehensive package of business support programmes is clearly making a difference across the county.
“It’s great to see new businesses like Sophie’s expanding successfully using the free expert advice and guidance available.
“We know that the first few months and years of a new business are critical and so we’re pleased to be able to provide a service that can strengthen their operations going forward.”
