If women in the UK started businesses at the same rate as men,
there would be 150,000 more businesses per annum creating many new jobs.

The UK Women's Enterprise Task Force (WETF) aims to encourage an increase in the quantity and scalability of women's enterprise over the next three years. The Task Force reports to the Minister of State for Industry and the Regions, Margaret Hodge. The Task Force is co-Chaired by Dr Glenda Stone, CEO, Aurora and Ms Pam Alexander, Chief Executive, SEEDA. Through support from the Government's Small Business Service, Regional Development Agencies and Business Links, the private sector, academia, women's networks / organisations and other support agencies, it is anticipated that the pipeline of women-owned seed, start-up and expansion businesses will actively increase. Read the Women's Enterprise Task Force launch press release here.

The membership of the Task Force was announced on Friday 2 February and the first Task Force meeting was held in London on Tuesday 6 February. Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 February see the 4th Annual Prowess International Conference that addressses issues and trends impacting on women's enterprise support. So it's a women's week of enterprise from Monday 5 - Friday 9 February 2007.

Taskforce members were announced on Friday 2 February 2007. Read the press release here !!

Minister Margaret Hodge officially opens International Women's Day at IWD 2007 event promoting       women's enterprise, Wednesday 7 March proudly sponsored by HSBC and Aurora. Details here !!