Welsh ICE has teamed up with BAWSO and Llamau to deliver our first-ever weeklong Bootcamp programme!
This is a super special one, as it has been designed to support 25 women currently using the charities services, to explore the idea of financial independence via self-employment. We’re calling it ‘The Breaking Barriers Bootcamp!’.
The Bootcamp concept is cut from the same cloth as our very popular 5-9 Club – Being fun and engaging, but also to the point and information-rich.
Since 2019, we’ve run 20 5-9 Clubs as a part of our Outreach work, and in that time, we’ve seen a significant 85% female uptake with rising interest from those with ethnic minority backgrounds.
This is because we understand the barriers that women and disadvantaged individuals face into self-employment. And so, we are very grateful to the Waterloo Foundation for funding this wonderful collaboration, to combine the knowledge of three organisations, to offer a group of women with many additional barriers into employment, another option.
Each of the experts we introduce this group to are women leaders and entrepreneurs themselves. These women stand as a beacon of hope and pillar of inspiration, that regardless of their additional barriers into business – it can be done.
The result of this is empowerment, and a confidence boost with the tools, resources, and contacts they need to run and jump with their ideas. It’s important to note that self-employment isn’t for everyone, but our programmes provide an honest overview of the realities of being a business owner. Plus, a safe supportive space to evaluate this career option before taking a leap of faith.
For those who leave the programme with no further intention to pursue self-employment, they will still leave with greater confidence, business skills and knowledge to transfer into employment confidently.
At Welsh ICE, we believe that supporting and increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship will promote opportunity within communities, tackle inequality, and create a positive impact on the economy of Wales – we need the insight of partners like BAWSO and Llamau to support us on this important mission.
We’re so excited to meet this group of resilient women in just a few weeks, and to witness another series of magical light bulb moments! 💡
If you would like to learn more about this Bootcamp or explore options for partnering with us on a future one, contact lesley@welshice.org.
More about BAWSO
“At Bawso, we are committed to providing advice, services and support to black minority ethnic communities and individuals in Wales who are affected by abuse, violence and exploitation. Our dedicated team have been providing practical and emotional support to BME victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, female genital mutilation and forced marriage in Wales for over 25 years.”
You can learn more about BAWSO here: https://bawso.org.uk/en/
More about Llamau
“We believe that we all have the right to fulfil our potential, and to feel safe and secure, despite the difficult circumstances we sometimes face.
Llamau is the leading homelessness charity in Wales, supporting the most vulnerable young people and women. We are particularly well known for working with those most at risk – care leavers, people who have been involved with the criminal justice system, people who have experienced domestic abuse and people who have had chaotic and disadvantaged lifestyles. They need high levels of individual support to help them gain the skills necessary for them to live independent and purposeful lives in their communities.”
You can make a donation to Llamau here: https://www.llamau.org.uk/donate/donate-to-llamau/16/SinglePayment