RSA Trust Female Founders
Start Up Programme
Empowering women resident in Enfield, Haringey or Waltham Forest
with the tools, skills and confidence to develop their ideas and launch their own businesses
About the Programme
The RSA Trust Female Founders Start Up Programme (formerly known as the Inspiring Women Start Up Programme), is a unique fully funded, 6-month course designed to help women in Waltham Forest, Enfield and Haringey develop their ideas, create a business model and be get ready to launch their business. It is delivered over 6 months through a hybrid mix of webinars, in-person seminars and 121 advice and guidance. The commitment required for the course is around 1 day every 2 weeks.
The programme 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! All the support is free as it is fully funded by Enfield based charity, The RSA Trust.
At the end of the course, all participants receive certificates as a graduation and presentation ceremony event - have a look at our 2026 graduation event.
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Develop your business idea and create a business model
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Carry out market research effectively
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Use digital marketing to promote your business online
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Understand financial costs and expenses- how much is needed to make a profit
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Build your confidence
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Understand the legal requirements of running a business
In-person and online course sessions include:
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Setting the Scene – Personal and Business Objectives
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My Business Model
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Profitable Sales & Marketing
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Understand the Financials
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The Digital Workplace: Strategies for Online Presence and Selling
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Video Marketing – Content Creation and Editing Tools
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Legal Considerations
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Building Your Brand
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AI in Action: Elevating Your Marketing Game
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HR Essentials
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My Business Model Development
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Bringing it All together & Next Steps AND Graduation Ceremony & Celebratory Lunch
What previous participants say:
Click on the images to find out what past participants had to say.
Gladys Mintah - Natgab Services
2013
Anais Bresle - FireFinch Marketing
2025
Clare Heal - Sauerpuss
2025
Rikki Parker - Never Still Photography
2025
Fadela Caramla - FAELY Expert Stylist
2025
Sara Alzetta - AM Niche
2025
Juliet Saffery - Jewels VA
2023
“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
Interested? Check Your Eligibility
To apply you must:
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Be a woman aged over 18 years
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Be resident in one of the following boroughs: Enfield, Waltham Forest or Haringey
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Have a business idea and thinking of starting a business/ working for yourself
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Not have already registered your business as a sole trader with HMRC or at Companies House
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Be able to commit to the 6-month period of the course - and attend all the in-person and online sessions
Course Dates:
The next programme will run from 11th February 2027 - 1st July 2027.
Course seminars/webinars will all be held on Thursday from 11.00am - 1.00pm on the following dates: 11 Feb, 18 Feb, 4 March, 18 March, 25 March, 8 April, 22 April, 6 May, 20 May, 3 June, 17 June. The final seminar will be held on the 1st July 2027 from 10.00am - 11.30am and this will be followed by the programme Graduation Ceremony and celebratory buffet lunch, which will finish around 3.30pm on that day.
Please note participants are required to attend in-person sessions at the North London Business Hub, Barnet and Southgate College (Southgate Campus), N14 6BS on:11 Feb, 18 Feb, 4 March, 25 March, 6 May, 20 May and on 17 June, and then the programme’s Graduation Ceremony and celebratory buffet lunch at the West Lodge Park Hotel, Cockfosters Road, Barnet, EN4 0PY on Thursday 1st July.
If you would like to receive an application form please complete the form below. The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 25th January 2027 at 5pm. For more information about what's involved in starting a business, you may wish to join join one of our Start Up Essentials webinars - check our Eventbrite page for details on upcoming dates.