Female-led business owners from across Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country are expected to come together for ‘Her Business, Her Growth, Her Story’ later this month.
The event, which is being held at Himley Hall on Wednesday February 25 will bring together female founders at every stage of their journey to reflect, connect and celebrate their achievements in an uplifting celebration of women building businesses across the West Midlands.
It will also highlight the impact support programmes, such as the Investment Readiness Programme, Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley and the Walsall High-Growth Programme, are having on bridging the ‘gender gap’.
Across these three initiatives alone, more than 700 women have been assisted to launch enterprises and scale-up businesses, generating significant investment into the local economy in the process.
Jane Galsworthy, managing director at Oxford Innovation Advice, said: “Running a business comes with real challenges, especially for women balancing multiple responsibilities.
“This event is all about celebrating progress, however it looks, and showing that founders don’t have to navigate the journey alone. With the right support, guidance and a strong community anything becomes possible.”
‘Her Business, Her Growth, Her Story’ has been designed to recognise that most success is not built alone, but through the right guidance, community and people in your corner at the right time.”
Attendees will hear real founder stories from local women, honest conversations about the realities of entrepreneurship, and space to recognise both big and small wins - from surviving year one to hiring a first employee or finally paying themselves.
The afternoon will include a reflective icebreaker, founder storytelling, a celebration wall where delegates can share their achievements, a collaborative problem-solving session, and relaxed connection over afternoon tea, creating an inclusive, supportive space rather than a traditional networking event.
Bridie Rowbotham, CEO of Selene Clinical Research, said: “As women founders, we are acutely aware that only around 17% of UK founders are female, and in the clinical research sector this number is even lower, making it harder to find relatable role models and networks.
“Before the Investment Readiness programme, we had the expertise to deliver clinical trials but lacked the framework, confidence, and networks to scale the business effectively. The initiative helped us see ourselves as capable leaders of a scaling business, not just clinical experts, and we are now in the final stages of securing investment that will enable us to expand our operations, hire key staff, and strengthen our NHS partnerships.”
There are a limited number of tickets still available for women looking to attend the ‘Her Business, Her Growth, Her Story’. To book your place, visit Her Business, Her Growth, Her Story! Tickets, Wed, 25 Feb 2026 at 11:30 | Eventbrite.
