Showcase celebrates female entrepreneurs

City part of 5by20 initiative to empower women

Dundee’s Coca-Cola 5by20 female entrepreneurship programme celebrated supporting more than 100 women during a showcase event at the city’s Apex City Quay Hotel yesterday.

The global initiative by the soft drinks giant aims to economically empower five million women by the year 2020.

Of the 110 women who have completed 5by20 programmes in Dundee, 63 have started their own business and 29 have continued to grow their enterprises. A further 44 jobs have been created by women who have taken part in courses.

Before an afternoon trade show, a series of speakers reflected on the success of the scheme.

Holly Firmin, GB community partnership manager for Coca-Cola European partners, said that globally around 2.4 million women had been supported 5by20. She said she was impressed by the support from the Dundee business community.

“Meeting some of the 5by20 participants earlier this year made me realise this wasn’t just about the individual empowerment of women,” she said. “It’s about a community of people in Dundee coming together to support the programme.”

Angie Foreman, who is the Dundee programme director, said: “It’s about creating the opportunity for women to say ‘I can do this’. We have created a network of empowerment and it’s wonderful to be part of.”

She said in kind support for 5by20 had passed £300,000 and praised the support panel of 18 local professionals who gave up their time to pass on advice.

Zoe Forbes, who took part in the programme before opening the Sweetpea Café in Broughty Ferry, said: “Because of 5by20 and Angie I was advised how to refine my idea and put my business plan into action.”

We have created a network of empowerment and it’s wonderful to be part of. ANGIE FOREMAN

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. Speakers at the 5by20 showcase event opening the trade show: Councillor Lynne Short; Emma Miller, Royal Bank of Scotland; Carrie Shannon, Gin Fest; Alison Henderson, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce; Angie Foreman, 5by20; Holly Firmin, Coca Cola European Partners; Zoe Forbes, Sweetpea Café; and Adair Simpson, Carnoustie Golf Links.