Women 'forgotten' by government
Business Support and Networking - 15/11/2006 14:47:17
Women-led firms are not getting the business support and networking opportunities they need to succeed, according to a report by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Published to mark National Women's Enterprise Day, the report claims that government officials are not giving women entrepreneurs the support they need to overcome financial restraints and have the confidence to succeed.
It claims that women need bigger incentives to take on the risk of starting up their own business and by not offering the correct support, the government is stifling female entrepreneurship.
Isabella Moore, president of Prowess, the organisation for groups promoting female enterprise, said: "Growing the number of women-owned businesses in the UK is essential for increased economic development, greater innovation and creativity.
"Encouraging women's entrepreneurship is also about providing more flexible opportunities for women of all ages and from all backgrounds."
The report called for local and national government officials to take steps to increase the business support and networking opportunities open to women.
This includes promoting role models, helping with tax relief on childcare and supplying training for the unemployed.
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