EmpowerUS: Shaping Ipswich’s Future: Women Leading Change for Ipswich

This is a female first event, open to all to attend.

Together we will create, explore, brainstorm and draft some ideas that could boost business (and career development opportunities), for women, in our area (this is be open to all industries and sectors). For every profession, every sector, every stage of career.

Ipswich is evolving — from its cultural scene and business growth to the way communities connect and thrive. Women are at the forefront of this change, shaping not just businesses but also the spirit of the town. This discussion brings together the SU and students of University of Suffolk, inspiring local leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers form the EmpowerUS group to explore:

• How women are influencing Ipswich’s growth and identity
• Opportunities and challenges for women in business and leadership
• The role of collaboration and community in building a vibrant town
• How Ipswich can stand out as a hub for female-led innovation and creativity

Interactive Elements:

• Audience poll: "What do you want Ipswich to be known for in 2030?"
• Panel quickfire: Each groups spokes person will share one bold idea to make Ipswich better for women developing their chosen career path (their own experiences, ideas, and challenges).

Lets find out and feel out what the local community want from the BID and inspire fresh new ideas and initiatives for business growth in the area.

ITINERARY:

Welcome and refreshments 3pm-3.20pm
EmpowerUS Values & Mission 3.20-3.30pm
EmpowerUS plans for 2026 3.30-4pm
Comfort Break 4-4.15pm
Welcome our panel reps 4.15-4.30pm

Setting the Scene: Ipswich Today & Tomorrow (15 mins) 4.30-4.45pm

Purpose: Ground the conversation locally
- Short framing talk (EmpowerUS / University / SU rep):
- How Ipswich is evolving (culture, business, community)
- The role women play in shaping growth and identity
Introduce key themes:
Opportunity, Visibility, Collaboration, Innovation

Interactive Audience Poll (10 mins) 4.45-4.55pm

Purpose: Give the room a voice early

Live poll question: “What do you want Ipswich to be known for in 2030?
Options include:
Female-led innovation
Creative industries, Inclusive business growth, Strong community networks, Education & talent development
Live results shared on screen
Facilitator reflects briefly on themes emerging
Panel Discussion: Women Influencing Ipswich ( 30 mins) 4.55-5.25pm

Purpose: Inspire and provoke thought

Discussion prompts:

How women are influencing Ipswich’s growth and identity
Opportunities and barriers for women in business and leadership
How collaboration strengthens communities
What’s missing — and what could change next
Panel Quickfire: Bold Ideas Round (15 mins) 5.25pm - 5.40pm

Purpose: Shift from talk to action
Each panelist (or group spokesperson) answers: “One bold idea that would make Ipswich better for women developing their career.”
Ideas rooted in:
Lived experience, Gaps in support, Opportunities for innovation, Ideas captured visually (whiteboard / digital board)

Community Brainstorm & Co-Creation (25 mins) 5.40-6.05pm

Purpose: Knowledge exchange + community insight

Small group discussions (mixed tables): Participants explore:
What support women actually need at different career stages
Barriers they face locally
Ideas for: Business growth, Career development, Collaboration across sectors

Prompt: “If you were advising the BID, University, or local partners — what should they prioritise next?”

Close & What Happens Next (30 mins) 6.05-6.35pm

Purpose: Momentum, not a hard stop
Summary of key themes and energy in the room
Explain how insights will be used:
Inform BID thinking / commenrs from BID
Shape future EmpowerUS events
Feed into KE and civic engagement work
Invite continued involvement:
Hosting future sessions
Joining EmpowerU
Staying connected

Closing with networking. Depart by 7pm

(If you have a business idea or concept you would like to be put forward for discussion in advance of this event, please email [email protected])

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher EmpowerUS: Women-led Community