​RSA Trust Inspiring Women
Start Up Programme

For women resident in Enfield, Haringey or Waltham Forest
APPLY NOW FOR OUR 2026 COURSE!​​

What is the Inspiring Women Start Up Programme?

This programme is a unique fully funded, 6-month course designed to help women in Waltham Forest, Enfield and Haringey develop their ideas and get their businesses up and running. It is delivered over 6 months - through webinars, in-person seminars and 121 advice and guidance (via zoom). The commitment required on average is around 1 day every 2 weeks on a Wednesday.  Our next course will run from 4th February 2026 - 8th July 2026 (see session dates below).

​​

The course is facilitated by an experienced SFEDI accredited Business Adviser and is a great opportunity to develop your business knowledge and skills, improve your confidence and get your business up and running!   The programme is free as it is fully funded by Enfield based charity, The RSA Trust.

​

​Topics covered include:

 

• Exploring & developing your business model

• Carrying out market research effectively

• Digital marketing & selling online

• Understanding financial costs and expenses- how much is needed to make a profit

• Building confidence

• Your personal and business wellbeing

• Understanding the legal requirements of running a business

​​

​​​In-person and online course sessions:

​

• Setting the Scene: 4th Feb

• My Business Model: 11th Feb

• Market Research and Your USP, Marketing Plan and Selling: 25th Feb

• Understanding the Financials: 11th March

• The Digital Marketplace: Strategies for Online Presence and Selling: 25th March

• Video Marketing - Content Creation and Editing Tools: 15th April

• Legal Considerations: 29th April

• Top Tips for Going Green: 13th May

• AI in Action: Elevating Your Marketing Game: 3rd June

• HR Essentials: 10th June

• My Business Model Development: 24th June

• Bringing it All Together, Next Steps seminar and Graduation Celebratory Lunch: 8th July

 

​​​​​​​​​​​

What previous participants say
Check out what participant, Juliet Saffrey says on our You Tube video 
​
“When I applied for the Inspiring Women Start Up Programme I already had a really good understanding of where I wanted to get to in terms of very bespoke fitting of pointe shoes. It’s quite an unusual business and I had a little bit of a business background so I knew basically what I needed to do, but I really didn’t have the detailed knowledge and the self-discipline to put that into practice.
 
The programme has really joined those dots for me, it’s made sure that I completely understand about the finances and keeping records as well as understanding my market and making sure that I am watching out for my competitors. Also it taught me to never lose sight of the strategy and the bigger picture. The course tackled what were for me more challenging and scary things like digital marketing - we had some very good sessions on how you market yourself online – which is very important for my target clients who are all in their 20s and early 30s.”  Eleanor Hogg, Unique Fitting Pointes
 
"The course webinars, together with the Adviser’s guidance, have given me the structure and accountability I needed to give some "life" to my ideas. This was helped by the regular meetings, the detailed feedback  on homework as well as the tools and tips given throughout the sessions ranging from legal guidance, practical marketing tools to rate calculators. In a nutshell it gave me a great structured starting point for my business together with heaps of confidence validating that I am on the right path with my new journey.”  Nadia Zammal​
​
“I wanted something that suits my needs. The programme gave me the chance to make new friends and learn new skills such as using social media without apprehension – it also gave me hope that I can create a sustainable business despite economic changes. The support from listening to others has been great and I leave sessions feeling inspired and energised to do things and the tasks or 'homework' kept me focused and guided.” Placida Ojinnaka​
​
“I am so grateful for the opportunity be on the course and all I have gained from the webinars. The one to one advice session with the Business Adviser topped it, as I now have a much clearer knowledge of where I am going. All the help and support I got with my event management venture was really valuable – and thanks to the Business Adviser for taking the time to reboot my motivation!”  Noalline Osbourne
​
 

Interested?

To apply you must:​

• Be a woman, aged over 18 years, living in one of these boroughs: Enfield, Waltham Forest or Haringey

• Have a business idea and thinking of starting a business

• Not have already registered your business as a sole trader with HMRC or at Companies House

• Be able to commit to the 6-month period of the course - and attend all the in-person and online sessions

​

The next course will run from February 2026 - July 2026, there are 20 places available.  If you would like to receive an Application Form with more details of course dates, times and venues, please complete the form below.  The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on Wednesday 21st January 2026.