Being an Entrepaneurs’ Angel, at the Angel’s Den

“I sit and wait
Does an angel contemplate my fate
And do they know
The places where we go”

Angels: Robert Williams / Douglas Whitehead

This Wednesday evening, 30th November, the Growing Club (https://thegrowingclub.co.uk/) will be hosting their Angel’s Den at the Health Innovation Campus of Lancaster University. The event is described the TGC as:

“…is much like the popular show Dragons’ Den, budding entrepreneurs have a few minutes to pitch their start-up ideas to a panel of businesspeople. The twist here is everyone will be a winner. On the night, entrepreneurs from The Growing Club’s start-up programme, Roots and Shoots, will have a few minutes to pitch their start-up ideas to our panel of business “Angels”.

After all the pitchers have gone, the angels will discuss between them who can best support each woman. Everyone will be coming away with something, and it’s a great opportunity for businesses in the local area to support entrepreneurs, as what could be a small thing for one business could make all the difference to a start-up.”

(https://thegrowingclub.co.uk/angels-den-is-finally-back/)

I will be attending the event as one of the Angels and Shadowcat is offering to design, build and host a website for one of the entrepreneurs as part of its Angel service.

But Why Do it?

Those familiar with SC will know that we have always been big fans of community organisations and supporting individuals to achieve their best in those communities. One of my main beliefs is that we need equal opportunity, equal access, and we need to encourage people and help them overcome whatever blocks they face.

Approximately 30% of entrepreneurs in the UK are women. This falls far short of many other countries, such as the US which has 49%. Most women say they are forced to run their own businesses as there is no other opportunity to manage their families. This is especially true in regards to child care, or care of a relative. Women are the primary caregivers in most families and they suffer a lack of opportunity because of that. Self-employed women are five times more likely than men to state care of a family as a reason to run their own business. 

By supporting the Growing Club, we are not just supporting women, and helping to bring better opportunities for women, we are helping families. In fact many times more likely to support a child, or relative, of any gender, by supporting their female relative. 

So it is important, for me, to support the Growing Club not just to make a more equal society, and broaden opportunities for women. It is essential also to support their extended families as well. A future in which we can have equal opportunity, equal outcome and equality of need and reason is also not a bad thing.

You can book tickets and attend next week at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/angels-den-tickets-396448978567