An Auction of Promises to help raise money for women to set up their own businesses will be held in Lancaster.
The Growing Club, a Lancaster-based social enterprise designing and delivering employment and enterprise skills training and support, especially for women, will host the auction at the Gregson Centre on May 20.
Donated promises will be auctioned off and the money raised will create a seed fund to support women's business start-up costs.
The initial target amount hoped to be raised from the Auction of Promises is £10,000.
LISTEN NOW to Megan Pickles from The Growing Club talking about the organisation and the Auction of Promises:
The Growing Club, based at the White Cross Business Park, has organised this auction after the end of the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme (NEA) which provided mentoring and financial support for self-employed people.
“I was an unemployed single mum after being made redundant," said Jane Binnion, one of the founders of The Growing Club.
"It was through the support of the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) that I was able to start a business, otherwise I wouldn’t have managed it. There was also a grant I accessed, which helped me to buy a laptop and essentials, like business cards, and for 12 months there was £40-a-week benefit support that helped me to feed my family as my business grew.”
“The outcome is that if we don’t take action now, in the future, it will only be women with capital that will be able to start businesses. Women trapped within the benefits system will have another exit route blocked, meaning that regardless of their knowledge, skill and experience, they will once again be left behind.
"The Growing Club have always advocated for every woman to use their skills to strive towards financial independence – be that via good employment or running a sustainable business – and this Auction of Promises event will enable them to build a viable Seed Fund to help reduce barriers to women wanting to make a change."
People and businesses can support this initiative by donating a Promise via email to admin@thegrowingclub.co.uk or call The Growing Club office on 01524 383848 and your donated promise can be logged over the phone.
The auction will run from 7pm to 11pm on May 20.
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
