Women's startup initiative: Challenging beliefs & becoming a female entrepreneur

Updated: Jun 16

What is the women's startup initiative?

The women's start-up initiative aims to support the full potential of women with the entrepreneurial spirit and ambition to start or scale their businesses.

Over six months, we give six full days of free marketing consultancy to a female-led early-stage venture. We offer a customised approach for our clients.

Services include:

• Marketing strategy and planning

• Social media

• SEO

• Content marketing

What inspired you to start the initiative, and why is female entrepreneurship important to you?

Data shows that if women were setting up and running new businesses at the same rate as men, we would have an extra one million female entrepreneurs in the UK. Yet, women are only half as likely as men to do this.

This demonstrates a sizable untapped market. As a female entrepreneur, I am passionate about bridging this gap and achieving this significant social change.

I have also been fortunate to receive significant support throughout my career. I have had bosses who believed in me, mentors who challenged my beliefs and family and friends who were there when I needed them most. I would not be where I am today without their guidance and support.

What attributes do you look for in the applications? Do you have any tips for a successful application?

Aside from the general application criteria, we look for applications demonstrating an innovative business idea with a clear vision and end goal. Usually, successful applicants have already identified a problem that needs solving - this is where the Carter Consulting team step in to support the business in reaching its marketing objectives.

What marketing activities do you believe are critical for startups?

We believe marketing starts with having a solid marketing strategy built on market and customer research. Furthermore, a consistent and robust brand and a content strategy that resonates with your target audience are of utmost importance.

What helps you to stay motivated as a female founder?

Being passionate about marketing, helping businesses grow, and ensuring the success of my clients keeps me motivated. I also have supportive peers and mentors who inspire me.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur?

My greatest challenge was leaving the corporate sector to set up my own business. It was daunting at first, but it is by far the best decision I've ever made.

The second challenge has been growing my business without increasing my fixed costs.

My business has moved away from billing by the hour to a more scalable modular approach to address this issue.

What advice would you give to fellow female entrepreneurs?

Know your worth, surround yourself with people who motivate you, and work hard for the most important things.

To apply for the women's startup initiative, please get in touch. 

Juliet Carter is the founder of Carter Consulting and has extensive marketing experience working with startups and SMEs. Connect with Juliet on LinkedIn or book a free discovery call to discuss your requirements.