Why is this? Why are our figures so shockingly low?

Why are women here in Northern Ireland less than a third likely to be entrepreneurs as men?

The following is an excerpt from the booklet Making It Happen: Successful Women in Business, recently issued by the Department of Trade and Investment:

“Women are the largest under-represented group when it comes to enterprise in Northern Ireland, and represent an enormous pool of untapped potential. In fact, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor research shows that if the level of female entrepreneurship shows in Northern Ireland were similar to that in the UK, then an extra 8,300 women would be involved in entrepreneurial activity locally.

Female entrepreuneurs often start a business with different experiences, aspirations and motivations from their male counterparts. Particular issues include the impact on family life, a lack of high profile role models and a lower perception by women that they have the skills to set up in business.

We need to appreciate and understand these differences if more women are to start a business and be involved in entrepreneurial roles here."

We here at Dancing Leopards Coaching & Training have decided to create a change in this shocking picture. There is absolutely no reason why more women should not begin to use their outstanding gifts and talents to start their own business, help their families and contribute to the growth and development of the local economy.

Our team of coaches and associates are passionate about helping all women to live their dream, build the lives of their true choice, and thoroughly enjoy a balanced life - in whatever way they choose.

This year, 2006, was a special year for Trudy, our senior Coach. It was her 50th birthday in February, and its her 5th year in business as professional coach and trainer. Established in 2001, her business has far exceeded her expectations, thanx in large part to her own passionate commitment to raising the use of coaching throughout the business community and general community – and also in part to the unending sources of support she has been able to tap into over the years.

As a very special ‘thankyou’ for all that support, we’re re-launching this unique, results-focussed coaching platform for local female entrepreneurs – for just ten special women who want to achieve extraordinary results in their lives and businesses.

The second series of the programme has just completed, and achieved results which are thrilling, practical and in some cases, surprising. Have a look at our Happy Clients page to read some of the feedback from the first series.