Female Entrepreneur Programme 2025

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in North Somerset. Are you a female with a business idea or in the early stages of starting a business? the hive’s Female Entrepreneur Programme 2025 is here to support you! Running from May 2025 to January 2026, this fully funded initiative provides the knowledge, skills, and confidence to help build a financially viable and sustainable business.

What’s Offered? Workshops to turn ideas into actionable business plans.

Sessions covering:

• Sustainability
• Legal considerations
• Research & competition
• Finances
• Digital & website marketing
• Leadership
• Social media
• AI for entrepreneurs
• Networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
• Ongoing mentorship and personalised one-to-one business advice.

Who Can Join? This programme is designed for women in North Somerset at the pre-start or early stages of their business journey. Whether you’re exploring an idea or taking your first entrepreneurial steps, this programme offers a supportive environment to grow.

Why Join? Learn, connect, and flourish while building a successful business. The programme fosters personal growth and contributes to the region’s economic development.

Contact us to Join the Waiting List Today!

What’s the Difference Between a Business Mentor and a Business Adviser?

When navigating the complex waters of business, it’s crucial to have the right support system in place. Among the most valuable resources are business mentors and business advisers. the hive, for example, offers both Business Adviser Appointments and a Business Mentor Programme to provide comprehensive support. Both programmes are designed to be impartial and confidential, ensuring you receive unbiased and private guidance. While these roles are often confused, they serve distinct purposes and offer unique benefits. Here’s a closer look at the differences between the two and how to decide which might be the best fit for your needs.

Business Mentor

A business mentor is someone who provides guidance, support, and wisdom based on their own experiences. Think of them as a seasoned professional who has walked the path you’re on and is willing to share their insights to help you succeed. Here are some key characteristics of a business mentor:

1. Experience Based Guidance: Mentors draw from their own business journeys, offering practical advice and lessons learned from real-world situations. They provide a long-term relationship, often continuing over multiple years and focus on personal and professional growth.
2. Personal Development: Mentorship is not just about business strategies; it’s also about developing the mentee as a leader. Mentors help build confidence, improve decision-making skills, and foster a growth mindset.
3. Informal Relationship: The relationship with a mentor is typically informal and can be more relaxed. Meetings may occur over coffee or lunch, and the conversation can range from business challenges to personal aspirations. Additionally, a mentor may visit your business to gain a better understanding of your operations and provide more tailored advice.

Business Adviser

A business adviser, on the other hand, is a professional who offers specific, technical advice to solve particular business problems. Advisers are often experts in a particular field and are hired to provide their expertise on a short-term or project basis. Business advisers at the hive support you from the initial stages of considering self-employment through to managing growth-oriented businesses. Here’s what sets a business adviser apart:

1. Expertise Driven Advice: Advisers bring specialised knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, legal matters, or operations. They provide actionable solutions to address specific business issues. It’s important to note that our business advisers are not accountants or solicitors, but they can guide you on how to navigate these areas.
2. Strategic Planning: Advisers are goal-oriented and focus on immediate business needs. They help develop strategic plans, including business planning and net zero planning, improve operational efficiency, and identify opportunities for growth.
3. Formal Relationship: The relationship with an adviser is more formal and structured. It involves scheduled meetings, detailed plans, and often a clear agreement outlining the scope of work and expected outcomes.

Choosing the Right Support

When deciding whether you need a mentor or an adviser, consider the nature of the support you require:

For Long Term Personal and Professional Growth: A mentor is ideal if you’re looking for ongoing guidance and support in your entrepreneurial journey. They’re invaluable for personal development and navigating the broader aspects of business leadership.

For Immediate, Specific Business Solutions: An adviser is the go-to if you need expert advice to tackle a particular challenge or to develop strategic initiatives. Their specialised knowledge can help drive immediate improvements and support short-term goals.

Conclusion

Both business mentors and business advisers play vital roles in the success of entrepreneurs and businesses. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision about the type of support that will best meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for long-term guidance or expert advice on a specific issue, having the right person by your side can make all the difference.