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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.

This includes Pamela Lilburn of Brookvale Farm, who was born in Larne and raised in Carnalbanagh.

Pictured are the chairman of LEDCOM, Dr. Norman Apsley OBE, with Shirley Palmer, CEO and Founder of The Simple Series and the Chief Executive Officer of LEDCOM, Ken Nelson MBE. They encourage rural women to sow their own seeds and start a business through the seed formula.

While working full-time at PWC, Pamela also understood the great commitment to support her husband, a dairy farmer from Moira, and knew that finding a way to have more flexibility and freedom to spend time with her was equally important Children Theo, Harrison and Evie.

In February of this year, and with three children under the age of eight, Pamela and Richard Lilburn decided to have their fourth baby, It’s Just Milk. They knew that their hard work, perseverance, and dedication would pay off.

Brookvale Farm’s innovative approach to new technology, including filling their whole milk and milkshakes in reusable glass bottles and working with a local ice cream maker, Taboo HQ, was featured on an episode of the BBC show Countryfile in June.

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.

It’s a hybrid event with a limited number of participants, 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 Chief Executive Officer 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 tremendous 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 while the biggest problem holding them back is 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 added, “Given the challenges of last year with the coronavirus pandemic outbreak coupled with post-Brexit trade problems, our economic recovery depends heavily on the untapped potential 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, Regional Ecosystem Manager at Ulster Bank who supported projects like Seed Formula, was key to tackling the imbalances that women entrepreneurs continue to face when it comes to access to finance.

He said, “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.