York St John partners on Embrace Equity events for International Women’s Day 

Support for York’s businesswomen is on the agenda this March with dedicated events aimed at boosting female entrepreneurs in the city.  

Empowering and Inspiring Women in Business in York, is being hosted in York St John University’s Creative Centre, on Thursday 2 March from 10.00am to 2.00pm. The event will be opened by Rebecca Biggins, Dean of York Business School. 

The event will take place during the week of International Women’s Day, which this year is focused on the theme of #EmbraceEquity. Guests will then hear from a range of speakers from across York’s business community, and benefit from digital skills training workshops delivered by Google Digital Garage. In addition to the workshops, attendees can sign up for free one-to-one online mentoring with Google Digital Experts to receive support tailored to the specific digital needs of their business. 

Sammie Jackson of Agrisound, an agricultural technology company based at York St John’s Enterprise Centre, will deliver the keynote address, ‘Tech, Bees and Business.’  

 “Juggling the varied and demanding responsibilities of a senior manager in a young and rapidly-growing business with family and childcare needs can be challenging at times.” Sammi said. 

"I know how important it is to have supportive networks and mentors, and events like this are invaluable in helping women in business find and develop these vital support systems. I’m really looking forward to speaking at the event, which promises to be a great opportunity to forge these valuable connections.” 

Councillor Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: 

“We hope this event will be an informative and inspiring opportunity to make connections with like-minded business leaders and learn about the fantastic range of support on offer to help female-led businesses succeed. I’d encourage any women in York’s business sector, whether leading an established business or thinking of starting one, to attend.” 

For further information and booking for Empowering and Inspiring Women in Business in York, see the City of York Council website.

York St John University is also partnering on a pitching and networking event which will take place on International Women's Day itself. Angel Investors is aimed at addressing inequity in business and will be led by speaking and presentation coach Audrie Woodhouse in conjunction with York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.  

Successful applicants will receive a free pitching workshop from Audrie and then have the chance to pitch for up to £1000 from an expert panel of investors.  

One angel ready to invest is former Forecourt Trader of the Year winner and York St John alumni Graham Kennedy, who has more than 30 years’ experience within the service station industry.  

“I did my Masters degree with York St John, so it’s nice to give something back.” Graham said.  

Giving guidance for prospective applicants, candidates are urged to offer unique and specific ideas. 

“To get you started - Think about the problem your product solves, how you solve that problem in your unique way, who your customer is and how you will find them” recommended Audrie. 

 “Be focused on exactly how the prize will help you in your business or idea.” 

To be eligible to apply for a pitching spot, candidates must be a female owner (or owners) of a start-up business, operating for three years or less, with fewer than five employees and be based or York and North Yorkshire.  

The pitching day will take place on Wednesday 8 March at York Marriott Hotel when all are welcome (men included) to watch the event in person and take part in networking.