The Pryde of Women in Business Welcome Event

As part of The Pryde of Women in Business Award you will have access to the following:

1. The opportunity to present for up to £5,000 towards your business idea.
2. Coaching and business mentoring.
3. Buddying and peer mentoring.
4. Access to a female/non-binary community founders and inspirational people.
5. Designated incubation space.

For more information and to show your interest, attend our Launch Event!

What is 'The Pryde of Women in Business Award'?

The Pryde of Women in Business Award aims to overcome barriers and support female and non-binary students in succeeding with their entrepreneurial ideas. This award targets aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to get their business venture off the ground. Combining a financial award with business, coaching, and emotional support, the award is tailored to the next generation of female leaders.

Emmie Runciman, a UWE Alumna, started her business at the age of 23, with a huge idea and a small grant from a friend. She had a degree in Psychology and Sociology but no business qualifications, and a few years into her start-up realised what was missing; she had no sounding board, no one to bounce ideas off, and importantly no one to push her to be a better leader. Emmie was recommended some coaching and mentoring, and 20 years on she is still feeling the benefits of support from a business coach, to challenge her in her role as an exemplary leader in her multi-million-pound business.

"Women in business need to be championed by people who they can trust and who know how to build success, which is why I, in conjunction with UWE, have created The Pryde of Women in Business Award." - Emmie Runciman

Why does 'The Pryde of Women in Business Award’ exist?

Rose (2019) highlights that the gender gap in entrepreneurship in the UK equates to 1.1 million missing businesses. It also notes that only 13% of senior roles in UK investment teams are held by women, creating a bias in venture finance.

Research indicates that women can face psychological barriers to entrepreneurship, including the perceived attitude that entrepreneurship is a male-dominated field, which can limit self-belief and lead to imposter syndrome (Newton, 2024). Studies show that these barriers often result in a reluctance to engage in competitive activities like pitching for funding because of the internalisation of failure (Hentschel, Heilman & Peus, 2019).

Evidence suggests that coaching and mentoring effectively address these inequalities by boosting confidence, goal-setting, well-being, and resilience. The quality of these experiences is crucial to successful mentoring. Newton (2024) states that gender rights, mindset, and opportunity are crucial in supporting entrepreneurship, which is why UWE, along with the support from Emmie, has created this award.