Winspiration
"Everything is Possible"tm 
In this issue...
OPPORTUNITIES - Board Vacancies
AWARDS - Women of Worth Awards
Extraordinary Women Awards
Women on their Way Awards
VIP LAUNCH - Unleash the Writer Within!
BOOK REVIEWS - Welcome to the Good Life!
CONFERENCES - Voice 09 Social Enterprise
Women in Business 2009
Risk and Reward Prowess 09
World Entrepreneurship Summit 09
Extraordinary Women Conference and Awards
Global Summit of Women -CHILE
MORE FUNDING & FINANCE - Will it be the Angel's Den?
OR the Dragon's Den?
Get a slice of �250,000 food cash!
�60 million Rural Development
INITIATIVES - �350 million for Small Business Skills
�2.5 million for Third Sector Skills
RESEARCH & REPORTS - Social Enterprise Survey
Female Leadership Insights from McKinsey
Voice of Everywoman Report
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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Latest News & Opportunities Update
    January 2009
A 
Greetings!

Kavita with Bolsover Schoolgirls 
Happy, Healthy, Successful New Year ..
 
Yes, it's tough out there - but we'll pull through.. There's so much happening so read on for potential solutions.......2009 is already exciting year, kicking off with this bumper edition because there really is so much opportunity out there- right now!!  You may need to take time out and come back to your news -but that's OK. Just don't miss anything that might be exactly what you need right now...
 
Yes, it may be tough, but having come through two recessions stronger I can see the opportunities out there for you and all entrepreneurial thinkers.Three things are certain though:-
  1. Now is the very time to cut out any waste in your business and hone performance ready for the upturn and grasp opportunities
  2. Before this though, you need to be in the mindset to spot opportunities - and there's a process to help you do this
  3. First and foremost - what's your vision for 2009 and beyond? How will you know which opportunities are right for you and your business?
Join me next week to climb a step up the Entrepreneur's Ladder. You've nothing to lose and everything to gain...Visioning 2009
 
If you'd prefer a one to one into new business potential just email me to discuss...find solutions now
 
Resisting the temptation to do a full review of 2008 let me share just a couple of events that remain significant memories...
 
In November, at the UK Women of the Future Awards 2008, meeting up with many of the worthy finalists in these prestigious awards for significant UK women achievers. Here I am chatting with Bettina Yarde, Managing Director of Morgan Dias Ltd, one of the UK's top specialist immigration, asylum and nationality consultancy firms,
http://www.morgandias.co.uk
 and Barclays Bank Manager, Tina English, a supporter of  Entrepreneurs Ladder
 
In December, at the lively 
Women's Ambassadors meeting, our guests included enterprising students of Bolsover School.
Kavita with Bolsover Schoolgirls I had the privilege to meet and share a Q&A panel with Kavita Oberoi - star of Channel 4 television's 'The Secret Millionaire'. Kavita is the founder and Managing Director of  Oberoi Consulting deliverers of innovative healthcare solutions. Kavita is one of the most inspiring women that it has been my privilege to listen to, she lights up the room with her story of how she has overcome significant traditional and cultural attitudes to create the life that she wants.  Look out for the opportunity to hear her - give this a priority - learn more about her important work with Martha's Oasis and 'Sisters with Voices' - a personal development programme for young women aged 13-17, especially for girls who may have underachieved. Stimulated by taking part in the television programme, Kavita has joined the board and is a proactive director and ambassador. Do also visit Kavita's new venture
 
At the Women of Influence Luncheon, I had a brief chat with our dynamic, enthusiastic and inspirational keynote speaker Tim Campbell - Sir Alan Sugar's Apprentice on the BBC TV programme
Kavita with Bolsover Schoolgirls  Now receiving rave reviews, Tim worked in a high powered position with Sir Alan for a year before going off to launch a number of new ventures of his own. Chatting to Tim, Valerie is especially delighted about the Bright Ideas Trust, 'empowering tomorrow's entrepreneurs' and we think that you will be too. There's clearly a shared passion - Valerie co-founded the successful 'Entrepreneur's Ladder' earlier this year. We highly recommend that you visit the following and share these around and take advantage of any opportunity to hear Tim speak:- Tim's websiteTim's Apprentice Speakers website   Tim's Bright Ideas Trust
 
In my capacity as a member of the UK Women's Enterprise Taskforce, meeting overseas delegates in the House of Commons with our host Lorely Burt MP. for the Prowess Study Trip into UK Women's Enterprise. Women's Enterprise Taskforce
  
The first Working Woman Expo was a very special highlight and I value all of my new acquaintances.
 
Whatever you are doing - have a fantastic week and exceptional year !! 
Best wishes
 
Valerie
 
Please feel free to share this email, just click the Forward Email link at end of newsletter, and share your views
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OPPORTUNITIES - BOARD VACANCIES
 
Emda - East Midlands Development Agency - Vacancy for a 'Business' Board Member, advertisement expected January 2009. Details via
Laura-Jane Ranby at emda. It's congratulations - by the way - if you didn't already know that Laura-Jane Franklin was married in December 08!! Valerie will be happy to hear from everyone interested in applying for this role who has any questions or concerns about applying and would welcome her viewpoint on being an emda Business Board Member. Contact Valerie
 
Sheffield Hallam University - Board of Governors - Closing date 14th January 2009 
Vacancy details 
 
Leeds Metropolitan University - Lay Members Board Governors - Closing date 31st July 2009 
Vacancy details  
 
Public Appointments - for a  selection -Vacancy
details
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HAVE YOU BEEN WOWED BY A WOMAN? Nominations now wanted for the East Midlands Regional Women of Worth Awards - deadline 26th January 2009. The aim of the Women of Worth Awards is to find the East Midlands' outstanding female entrepreneurs. There are three award categories: Business Woman of the Year; Best Young Business of the Year and Most Innovative Business.
Application forms and the full criteria for entry can be found on the emda website and Women of Worth Awards. Come on - don't expect that someone else has nominated the deserving woman that you know - make sure by doing it yourself!!!                                          back to top...
 
Extraordinary Women - Francine Pickering from SMART WOMEN has exciting news to share. Smart Women are thrilled to be sponsoring the Extraordinary Personal Endeavour award in the national 2009 Extraordinary Women Awards which will be held at the East Midlands Conference Centre on 21st April 2009. 
Nominations are now open for the following categories and it would be great to see plenty of East Midlands women among the nominations for:
Extraordinary Entrepreneurship
Extraordinary Personal Contribution
Extraordinary Personal Endeavour
Extraordinary Achievement in an Organisation
Extraordinary Young Woman
The overall winner will receive the Extraordinary Woman of the Year Award.
Nominations close 14th February 2009. Know a woman who has achieved something extraordinary? Get your nomination in now!! Extraordinary Women

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West Midlands Women On Their Way Awards leading up to the largest awards ceremony for women making a difference in business and the community in the region.
 
Award categories are: Sole Trader/SME,  High Growth, On-line Business,  Woman in Public Office, Woman in non Traditional Role,  Woman in Technology/Creative Industries, Woman in Journalism,  Woman in the Community/Social Enterprise, Outstanding contribution to Women's Learning and Development
 
To view more details, to book your seats or to nominate a woman on her way visit Women on their Way Awards  
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VIP LAUNCH - Unleash the Writer Within  

The Writer's Little Book, Launch and support programme- Mansfield Road, Nottingham - 28th January 2009. 
Being in the process of writing my own book for far too long now, especially since I so enjoy reviewing the work of others, I have to tell you about this fabulous launch. Recognising what a lonely occupation writing your own book can be for some, and how others sometimes procrastinate, Sharon Roberts has got together with Eileen Parr to launch 'The Writer's Little Book...with BIG IDEAS'.  You'll find a host of help and support ranging from the inspiration to start, to overcoming blockages and targeting your book to market. Go on now, give it a go!! More information from:-
Sharon and Eileen or call 0845 053 8988

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BOOK REVIEWS  - The eBay Business Handbook - How anyone can build a business and make money on eBay.co.uk  by Robert Pugh - Harriman House
 
Welcome to 'The Good Life'. What a fantastic time to start your own new business, equipped with Robert Pugh's eBay Business Handbook, almost no capital outlay required, a work pattern you choose and rewards limited only by your own actions!! No need to rack your brains inventing a new money-making machine - Robert hands it to you on a plate!  Even for those of us seasoned entrepreneurs there's still some useful learning, much of which applies to offline businesses. Alternatively - a wonderful gift to encourage someone else into low risk exploration of entrepreneurship for themselves. Where else would you find all the information and advice you need to start and build a significant business with as little as 10p to invest at the start? For many, this will be possibly the best investment and opportunity of 2009 but at the very least the cost of this book will be recovered - even if you're (or your recipient is) content to be a dabbler!  Click here for full book review and a quick and easy link to buy...
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CONFERENCES
 
Voice 09, Social Enterprise Conference, Birmingham - 10th -11th February 2009.
 
Costs from �129 + vat. Information and registration visit Voice 09  
                                                           
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Women in Business, Pride Park, Derby -5th March 2009
 
This all day event is a hugely successful formula, combining as it does inspirational speakers, motivational workshops, learning seminars, networking and more with the next Women's Ambassadors meeting and presentation of the annual Women of Worth Awards. Go to: Women in Business 2009   
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Risk and Reward, 6th Prowess Annual International Conference, Blackpool - 4th-5th March 2009.
 
Early Bird booking reduction extended to 16th January 2009
from �250. As a past speaker and participant I highly recommend this event. This year's speakers include 'Channel 4 TV's Secret Millionaire' Hilary Davey, founder of Pallex and Germaine Greer, author and academic.  Join the 6th Prowess Annual International Conference, the most informative, relevant and FUN event in the women's enterprise support calendar. This year they focus on 'Risk and Reward' to ensure female entrepreneurs are given the right support to come through turbulent economic times and excel on the enterprise journey. For all the information you need to book your place and join other leading players - men and women - in business support policy and practice visit: Prowess 2009
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World Entrepreneurship Summit 2009, London - 20th March 2009
 

Following the success of the first WES, January 2008, Rebecca Harding and her team organise the 2009 Summit   This one-day event focuses on the key issues keeping entrepreneurs awake at night in the current climate.  From access to finance to mentoring and coaching, managing a growing business, managing cashflow and profitability as the climate tightens, managing people through uncertain times.  The focus is on promoting the role of entrepreneurs in stimulating sustainable economic development.  At no time in recent economic history has the entrepreneur been more important in helping the world address the economic, social and environmental challenges that it faces.  From the smallest social enterprise in sub-Saharan Africa through to global corporations, entrepreneurs are the world's change agents and will enable us to pull through.
This inspiring and international event puts entrepreneurs of all types together with investors, business support professionals and agencies, large and small companies, coaches, mentors and policy and academic experts with a view, creating the financial and network support that will provide entrepreneurs with platforms to change the world. 

PLUS - Three firsts include: Launching the World Entrepreneur Society (WES); Launching the WES online Forum and Academy; Announcing the results of their first competition to find the world's Make-A-Difference (MAD) entrepreneurs. Plus: speed networking, speed pitching, open-space and "think tank" sessions on the day.  To find out more and to book your place go to WES 2009.   There are just 250 places available, so book early!  To discuss the MAD competition, sponsorship, hosting a fringe event or breakfast, or taking one of the exhibition stands, email Delta Economics 
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Extraordinary Women Conference, Nottingham-  21st April 2009
 
Billed as 'An exceptional and special combination of inspiring, moving and humorous presentations, amazing networking opportunities and awe-inspiring women nominated for the Extraordinary Women Awards', speakers include Mimi Anderson, Record breaking ultra distance runner; Geraldine M Bown Diversity specialist, author and speaker whose latest book is From Diversity to Unity: Creating the Energy of Connection; Parveen Mirza MBE, Entrepreneur and broadcaster involved in community projects and Tess O'Kane, HR Director and former International medal winning athlete and author. Go to  - Extraordinary Women
 
Francine Pickering's 'Smart Women' is sponsoring an award in the Extraordinary Women Awards. The deadline is 14th February 2009 - so get on with nominating the extraordinary woman that you know - right now!  Go to -  Extraordinary Women Nominations
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 Global Summit of Women 2009, Setting New Paradigms for Business and Political Leadership, Santiago, Chile - 14-16 May 2009
 
2009 invitation has just arrived. The speakers, programme and supporters are as enticing as always.   Mingle with some of the most influential female leaders, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Ministers for Women, entrepreneurs and CEO's of nations, countries and corporations? Find out more about this year's summit and how to join Globe Women at Globe Women 2009
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FUNDING AND FINANCE
What's your financial resolution this New Year?
 
To find yourself a Brilliant Business Angel Investor, and raise a 'toast' to your newly found Business Success?  Well then come on all you entrepreneurs (and investors!!) out there, let this be the one resolution that you don't break. Their December Speedpitching Session culminated in a record for the greatest amount of 'Pitches' in one night, proof that this could really be the start of a year to remember for you with the undivided attention of an entire room full of Serious Business Angels just waiting to hear what you have to say, and most importantly wanting to Invest their cash!   So come on, seize this opportunity with both hands, the atmosphere is always electric and we guarantee you'll have a 'ball'.  go to Angels Den  right now to find out more.
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Apply now to enter the Dragon's Den
 
Do
you have a killer idea or 'must-have' future product ready for investment? Do you have the power of persuasion needed to part the Dragons from their cash? There are now two opportunities available: in addition to the TV show you can now apply to pitch to two new Dragons in a unique online arena. Entrepreneurs in this new online arena can achieve investments of up to �50,000 and we are also keen to hear about concepts and ideas which would be kick-started with seed capital. Please note, you must apply online and include a video pitch to be considered for the Online Dragons and please ensure that you have read the FAQs before applying.  Remember, they are still looking for entrepreneurs seeking �50,000 or more for the TV programme.  18 or over and ready for the challenge? Then apply using the forms: in Dragons Den                                                         
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Get a slice of �250,000 food cash!!
cut through here..
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�60 million Rural Development Programme for England
 
See how �153,000 is helping Pump Farm in Tuxford to diversify. project details
Find out more about the whole programme rdpe programme 
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INITIATIVES
 
Denham announces �350m to support small businesses Skills 
Secretary John Denham has announced that small businesses will be the focus of �350m of Government funds to help them train their staff. The support will be through the Government's 'Train to Gain' programme, - the scheme that supports and subsidises staff training. scheme details 
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Minister announces �2.5m third sector skills initiative
 
A new �2.5m third sector skills body aimed at improving the capacity of staff and volunteers has been announced. Ministers said the initiative would provide thousands of new learning and development opportunities for people at charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations. The Office of the Third Sector and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills will jointly fund the new body over the next three years. To help the new initiative become established, sector skills council Skills for Justice will act as an incubator.
details
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RESEARCH AND REPORTS
 

Social enterprise and the economic upheaval - SEC call for your views The Social Enterprise Coalition is calling for social enterprises to complete their short online survey on your experience of the economic crisis and future plans. Survey responses will be used to help SEC make the case for social enterprise to government, banks and others. enter survey
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Female leadership behaviour directly linked to enhanced company performance
 
Certain leadership behaviours, more frequently applied by women than by men in management teams have been shown to enhance company performance according to a new report from McKinsey & Co. Nine leadership behaviours have been shown to positively affect organisational performance. Of the nine indicators women applied five more frequently than men. Furthermore the study shows that of four behaviours that will be critical to responding to business challenges in the future, three are more often demonstrated by women leaders. These are: 'Inspiration', 'Participative decision making' and 'Expectations and rewards'. In order to retain and utilise the best talent McKinsey call on companies to ensure their recruitment, appraisal and career management systems are gender-neutral and for companies to allow for career flexibility - not just for one day, week or a year, but throughout a career. Furthermore they stress that a flexibility programme shouldn't be a 'women-only policy' but an integral part of a company's overall talent development model. To obtain an electronic copy of 'Women Matter 2' contact:  [email protected]  

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Voice of everywoman - Research results announced
 
Important new research released on Global Women's Enterprise Day (19 November 2008) shows female enterprise has come of age.  The results of the Voice of everywoman 2008, revealed women business owners have taken over their male counterparts for growth ambition. The findings show that female enterprise has come of age in many ways, as today's women business owners prove they are more than ready to play their part in a fiercely competitive sector.

In a survey of over 1,500 small business owners (male and female), it was women who revealed the greatest entrepreneurial drive, and in this current economic climate, it is imperative these business owners have access to the advice and information necessary to maximise their business skills and achieve this growth.
Voice of Everywoman
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
 
Kelly Palmer - winner of the emda sponsored Prince's Trust 2008 Young Achiever of the Year at the PT Celebrate Success Awards. Following difficulties in her teenage years Kelly found The Prince's Trust 'Team' programme and turned her life around. She is now helping other young people to do the same.Prince's Trust East Midlands
 
Gwen Cottrell - Regional Director of RIBA - Royal Institute of British Architects-  for Hospice Care Kenya
Having worked with Gwen to help shape thinking and devise the EM Low Carbon Award for Environmental Initiative a couple of years ago, I met up with her again to present this emda sponsored award to the 2008 winners - Marsh:Grochowski Architects, for the Icon Office Building. It was through this that I discovered Gwen's other passion. She helped found the first Kenyan hospice service (similar to Macmillan) in Nairobi in 1990 whilst living there. Since then Hospice Care Kenya, a small UK charity where she is one of the Trustees, has been supporting and developing the 8 fledgling services. The support is geared to meeting medical needs, providing services and training, although Gwen's personal ambition (not unexpectedly!) is to encourage improvements to the quality of design of the premises and interiors. She knows that pleasant, bright, well thought out places and spaces can exponentially improve patient and staff wellbeing. At the moment all aspects of design of the premises in Kenya are, inevitably, a low priority. visit Hospice Care Kenya
 
EM Media co-financed features in Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah - 15th-25th January 2009
The 25th Sundance Film Festival includes premieres of two films made and financed in the East Midlands. They were selected for the highly contested World Cinema Dramatic Competition strand and join 16 films,chosen from a record 1,012 entries. Bronson, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and Unmade Beds, directed by Alexis Dos Santos, received �250,000 of European Regional Development Funds through EM Media and join a strong slate of other co-financed award winning British independent films including Control, This Is England and Summer. Bronson and Unmade Beds also received Lottery Funds from the UK Film Council via EM Media to support trainees who worked on the productions.
Bronson traces the transformation of Mickey Peterson into Britain's most notorious, dangerous and charismatic prisoner, Charles Bronson. Taking the title role of Bronson will be Tom Hardy (Black Hawk Down, WΔZ, RocknRolla, Stuart: A Life Backwards) who is cited by critics as one of the UK's most promising young actors. The film shot in the East Midlands region from a Nottinghamshire base over six weeks during 2007, using a range of locations including Great Central Railway and Stanford Hall in Loughborough and created jobs for twenty-two highly skilled crew from the East Midlands. The film will receive its North American Premiere at Sundance. Unmade Beds tells the story of two young foreigners who find romance in the vibrant, artistic underground of London's East End. The film features a cast of exciting young international acting and creative talent in front of, and behind the camera, and cutting edge music by UK-based independent bands. The diverse architecture and streets of Nottingham stood in for London during a four week shoot in and around the city during last year. The film also used the talented crew based in the East Midlands, with trainees being employed on the production with support from Lottery Funds from the UK Film Council via EM Media. The film will receive its World Premiere at Sundance. Sundance Festival 2009 Contact Emily Lappin  or visit www.em-media.org.uk              
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About Us

Founded by inspirational serial entrepreneur Valerie Dwyer, with ten enterprises under her belt and over 2,000 others assisted to start and grow, Valerie Dwyer Group incorporates Strategic Business Development, a unique Visioning process, Coaching, Mentoring, Networking, Seminars and Workshops. Valerie Dwyer is a passionate UK and international advocate and Champion for Women's Enterprise and member of the UK Women's Enterprise Task Force, lobbying, speaking and writing on this topic. Every day clients achieve another success, our testimonials say it best! More:
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