Leeds women urged to ‘Be Unstoppable’ with launch of free business course

Women aspiring to start up a business in Leeds are being invited to sign up for a free course designed to place them on the path to entrepreneurial success.

Beginning on 22 May and taking place over six successive Mondays for two hours each week, the ‘Be Unstoppable’ programme will provide expert guidance on a series of topics including developing a business idea, deciding on a target audience, devising a marketing strategy and achieving maximum impact from the use of social media.

Held at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown with support from Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund, the sessions will be led by communications and brand strategist Maria Dakova.

She said: "’Be Unstoppable’ is something I felt drawn to creating for a long time, especially after years of navigating starting and running different businesses.

“It is the manual for a start-up the female way. A way that doesn't have to cost lots of money and doesn't lead to overwhelm and burnout - a step-by-step guide that eliminates the guesswork.

“With this course, I want to spare other women from feeling lost, not knowing where to start and procrastinating on the action out of fear.

“I want to create a community of women who support each other and grow together while we hold each other's hands each step of the way."

Unity Business Centre is one of three sites operated by Unity Enterprise, the not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, to support entrepreneurial activity in Leeds.

Richard Aitoro, Unity Enterprise Business Adviser, said: “Maria is a leader in her field with an abundance of experience across many aspects of business life. She is also a first class communicator who will quickly connect with the women who choose to ‘Be Unstoppable’ by signing up to the course.

“There is a lot of untapped female entrepreneurial talent in Leeds.

“We are proud to be playing an active and ongoing role in finding and developing it.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Unity has an absolute commitment to driving inclusive growth by enabling local people to set up and grow their own sustainable business.

“We have placed particular emphasis on encouraging more women to become entrepreneurs.

“The launch of ‘Be Unstoppable’ will help us to increase the momentum already generated.”

More information about ‘Be Unstoppable’ including how to sign up is available from Richard Aitoro on Tel: 07395 328123 or email: Richard.Aitoro@unityha.co.uk