AWIE and Anglia Ruskin University Celebration Event
About this Event
Following our succesful International Womens Day event, Ambitious Women in Essex is hosting a joint event with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to celebrate the launch of their report on female entrepreneurship.
Drinks and lunch will be provided for attendees and there will be plenty of time for networking (see full itinerary below).
From Evidence to Action: Supporting Female Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Growth in Essex
Women-led businesses account for less than 20% of enterprises in Essex, highlighting a persistent gender gap that should not overshadow the vital contribution women make to regional economic growth.
This event celebrates women in enterprise while bringing together Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Ambitious Women in Essex to explore how policy, practice, and partnership shape women’s entrepreneurial experiences.
The session is informed by a cohered emergent model, which recognises entrepreneurship not as a linear journey but as one that develops through the ongoing interaction between individual agency, institutional support systems, and local business ecosystems. Using this perspective, discussions will focus on identifying policy gaps and opportunities that influence women’s lived experiences of entrepreneurship, including access to finance, networks, skills development, and digital capability.
Central to the event is the amplification of female entrepreneurs’ voices, creating space for dialogue that reflects the complexity of real-world decision-making and supports more inclusive and responsive policy design. By bringing together academia, industry, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, the event aims to strengthen collaboration and contribute to evidence-informed, adaptive approaches to inclusive growth in Essex
On the day - Please be sure to sign the register to let us know you have attended. If you have given us prior permission and confirmed your attendance, we share your details with all attendees post-event so you can continue to make great connections.
Photography - We always try and take some pictures on our phones during the event to share on social media afterwards. If you would rather not be featured, please let us know on the day when you arrive. Be sure to find us on our social pages for post-event photos (Links below)!
Hit that follow button and be sure to tag us @ambitiouswomeninessex
Ambitious Women in Essex - A growing community set up through The Essex Growth Agency to support and celebrate our amazing women in Essex. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Linked In. We also have a second 'business group' on Linked In where you can share your own promotional material.
Full address and directions – The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester CO1 1UE
- PLEASE BE AWARE - this event is being held upstairs at The Minories and there is no lift, the room is only accessible by stairs.
- Parking is available at cost nearby. Nearest car parks are Greyfriars, Priory Street or All Saints.
- The venue is also easily accessible by public transport.
- Please plan your route accordingly before you travel.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Registration and Networking
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:05 AM
Welcome from Hosts
Host: Eve Calderbank, Dr. Wei Kang
🕑: 11:05 AM - 11:45 AM
Report Presentation
Host: Dr. Wei Kang
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Comfort Break
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Group Discussion following Report Presentation
🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch and Networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
