Finding a work-life balance can be tricky but this can be especially challenging when you have parenting responsibilities.
Our award winning Mums in Business enterprise skills programme has been designed to support women with children who are considering starting their own business as a flexible means of income. This friendly and interactive workshop programme will take you through the necessary steps to create a feasible and viable business that works for you.
Mums in Business is part of the pan-island TalEntEd Programme which is being funded with £5.9m million from the UK and Scottish Governments as part of the Islands Growth Deal.
Winner of Outstanding Business Engagement at The Herald Higher Education Awards 2023.
About the programme
- Fully Funded – no cost to you
- Up to £200 seed funding may be available
- 7-week workshop programme
- 100% online
- Two-hour, live, interactive workshops twice a week at the same time
- Supportive female-led environment
- Access to accompanying online materials
- Built-in holiday week covering school holidays
- Session starts mid September
What you will learn
These two-hour workshops will be held twice weekly, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 10:00 - 12:00.
Participants should attend all sessions.
Week 1 – Motivation and Values
Tuesday 16 September & Wednesday 17 September 2025
The first session will help you get to know others in the group and learn more about the programme. You will be encouraged to think about your motivations for becoming self-employed and explore your own personal values.
Week 2 – My business and its customers
Tuesday 23 September & Wednesday 24 September 2025
Learn how to map out what your business offers by using cutting edge theories and tools. Get to know what makes your customers tick and learn how to meet their needs effectively.
Week 3 – Resources, Activities & Promotion
Tuesday 30 September & Wednesday 1 October 2025
Consider the essential activities, resources and partner of your business. We will also consider how to effectively promote your business through branding, marketing, sales and social media.
School holiday break
Tuesday 7 October - Wednesday 29 October 2025
No workshops, market research should be undertaken during the break.
Week 4 – Making Money
Tuesday 4 November - Wednesday 5 November 2025
How do you ensure that income exceeds expenses? How can you cut costs and increase income? Consider pricing strategies for your products and services.
Week 5 - Keeping it Legal
Tuesday 11 November - Wednesday 12 November 2025
Learn the laws around running a business, business types (Ltd, sole trader etc.) Find out about self-assessments, National Insurance, VAT, bank accounts and get introduced to support providers in the local region.
Week 6 – Making it happen
Tuesday 18 November - Wednesday 19 November 2025
Learn how to gain confidence in yourself and your business. Get tips on how to pitch your business effectively and set goals for the future.
Week 7 – Women in business
Tuesday 25 November - Wednesday 26 November 2025
Hear from guest speakers and learn how to overcome common challenges and consider resources and networks available to you.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is for mothers and those with parenting responsibilities.
Applicants must live in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney Islands or Shetland Islands.
Hear from our participants
Participants Pippa and Leticia share their experiences of taking part in the programme:
Apply
Closing date: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as places will be awarded on first come basis.
Have a Question?
Contact Dawn Shand, Learning Manager (Enterprise):
The pan-island TalEntEd Programme is being funded with £5.9m million from the UK and Scottish Governments as part of the Islands Growth Deal. The Deal has been developed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council, together with public, academic, business, community and third sector partners. It aims to harness the islands’ unique assets to create world class, innovative and globally focussed industries that will help address the islands’ severe demographic challenges and strengthen the distinct and important contribution the islands make to the economic vitality and international reputation of Scotland and the United Kingdom. Further information: