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RURAL women are encouraged to sow their own seeds and start a business through the seed formula.

The Seed Formula, provided by business agency LEDCOM and business consultancy The Simple Series, is a program that aims to inspire and support women in rural towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

The overall program begins with the Seed Summit on Friday, September 10th, when three local entrepreneurs tell their business stories.

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LEDCOM’s chairman Dr. Norman Apsley OBE, Shirley Palmer, CEO and Founder of The Simple Series and LEDCOM’s CEO, Ken Nelson MBE

In addition to the introduction to the 12-week Seed Formula program, there are various breakout sessions on the future of rural women in Northern Ireland. This is a hybrid event with limited attendance, but it is also hosted online.

Backed by a grant from Ulster Bank, Seed Formula will guide and support women entrepreneurs who are committed to building a business in their chosen area.

As a business enterprise center for the Ballyclare and Larne areas and headquartered in a rural area, LEDCOM has over 36 years of experience helping business start-ups in rural communities.

LEDCOM CEO Ken Nelson MBE said; “We strive to inspire and support individuals on their business journey, and that includes all of the women entrepreneurs we have. We know that economic and social ventures can have a great positive impact on rural towns and villages. The main goal of the Seed Formula and the additional membership is to not only empower women entrepreneurs, but also to further improve the communities in which they live.

“We know our rural women have a lot to offer in the business world, and I encourage anyone who might be interested to sign up for the Seed Formula – it is sure to give you all the knowledge and skills you need to run your business from the soil.”

Research by the Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship in 2021 showed that one in ten women entrepreneurs plan to start a business in 2021; and the biggest problem holding back women entrepreneurs is the lack of funding.

Serial entrepreneur Shirley Palmer and founder of The Simple Series found that women who live in rural areas are underrepresented in favor of their female counterparts in larger cities. These discoveries were one of the main reasons behind the formation of the seed formula.

Shirley Palmer, CEO of The Simple Series said, “Given the challenges of last year with the coronavirus pandemic outbreak coupled with the post-Brexit trade problems, our economic recovery depends heavily on the untapped potential that women run businesses can represent . Seed Formula participants learn everything they need to know about running a successful business, from why to sales to marketing and finance. You will be expertly guided from the first idea to the final brand.

“We believe this ‘formula’ will lead to innovative projects and / or companies that create new jobs and improve the quality of life for people in rural communities. We know that those who complete the program will see results. We intend to build on the success of the Seed Formula and bring it to more women across Northern Ireland in 2022. We look forward to working with local women to make their business dreams come true. “

John Ferris, Ulster Bank’s regional ecosystem manager who supports projects like Seed Formula, has been key to tackling the imbalances that women entrepreneurs continue to face when it comes to access to finance.

He added, “At Ulster Bank, we are committed to empowering women entrepreneurs and giving them the tools and networks they need to start or scale a business. This partnership with Seed Formula has the potential to create transformative change for women; especially in rural areas, and we are delighted that we have been able to help bring women entrepreneurs even closer to potential investors through the Enterprise Partner Funding grant.

“We look forward to the results of the project and wish all participants all the best for the next step on their business trip.”

To register for a spot at the Seed Summit on September 10th or for more information, please visit https://theseedformula.com/. The seed formula begins on Wednesday, September 29th.

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