Prowess 2.0 is the online centre for women in business. We provide top-quality information, resources and directories of local, women-friendly business support and networks.
We know women often start with less funds and are twice as likely to use and appreciate publicly funded business support. But while new female start-ups soar, business support has all but disappeared in some parts. Our vision is to help plug the gaps and join the dots in women-friendly business support. We’ve started with quality information and links to good support where it exists. Our aim is to develop affordable online training and resources that can ‘blend’ with on the ground support delivered by our partners around the country.
We also know that much more could be done to create an environment where it’s easier for women to succeed. Access to finance, childcare, welfare benefits and business support that understands and meets your needs are key issues. Prowess 2.0 aims to be a centre of practical information, resources and knowledge on those issues.
Collaboration
Web 2.0 is all about digital collaboration and so are we – that’s why we have 2.0 in our name! For now that includes:
Building a community of women’s business bloggers. We want to encourage more women in business to blog. It’s a great way to promote your business, develop skills and inspire and support others. If you are interested in guest blogging on Prowess 2.0, please check out our tips and guidelines.
Communication. Our monthly ezine delivers the top stories and opportunities for women in business. It’s also a chance to feed back and get involved. Sign up here.
Community. Join us on Facebook and Linkedin.
Content Curation. Bringing together and curating the best of the women’s business web in top-quality articles and in our Daily News.
Digital resources. We intend to develop effective digital resources to enable women’s business development and collaboration.
Our Story
Prowess 1.0 was the National Association for the Promotion of Women’s Enterprise from 2002 to 2011. At its peak, Prowess had over 350 member organizations, who between them supported over 100,000 women business owners. It was commissioned by the DTI and Regional Development Agencies to produce the first UK national strategy for women’s enterprise. It also produced a well regarded range of training materials, best practice reports and quality standards to support better services. We’ve archived key Prowess reports from that period here.
Prowess 2.0 is new and different, but it builds on that Prowess legacy in the following ways:
People. Our editor, Erika Watson, was the founder and CEO of Prowess from 2002 – 2009. Lots of former Prowess members and associates are also involved in Prowess 2.0.
Focus. Prowess 2.0 focuses on the same issues as its parent. We’ve just shifted perspective. Then – we were an association of providers; now – we provide direct, digital resources and collaborative opportunities for women in business and their supporters. We also continue to connect women to local women-friendly business support and networks.
Logo. The Prowess logo was a female figurehead or ship’s prow, signifying women out front, cutting through the waves. We’ve developed that concept for Prowess 2.0 and our new logo is based on the prow of the Oseberg Viking Queen’s ship. It curls to form the letter P. We like to think it takes women beyond cutting through the waves to being in positions of leadership and influence. The definition of “prowess” is: superior strength, courage, or daring. A very apt definition for any woman in business.
Funding
Money is tighter than ever for women starting or growing a business – and we will keep most of the services, opportunities and information on Prowess 2.0 free. Prowess 2.0 is primarily funded through external sponsors who support women in business. We also have some advertising spots on the site, which help to keep it free. Inclusion of advertising does not constitute our endorsement. We only endorse or affiliate to activities that we believe women in business could benefit from.
If you would like to support our work, then please do use the onsite shop to buy your Amazon books and products.
If you are interested in finding out more about enhancing your appeal and sales to women in business by advertising on the website, promoting a sponsored feature or sponsoring any of our activities please get in touch.
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Prowess 2.0 is a non-profit making resource. It is proudly sponsored and developed by Greenwell.
