I won the Next Generation Awards!

In my last newsletter, I wrote about how I’ve recently started going to networking events for small businesses and startups (mostly as a way to meet new people since moving to Bristol). I’ve never really seen myself as a ‘businessperson’ or Love Her Wild as a ‘startup’. But I’ve come to realise that both those things are absolutely true.

Being entrepreneurial with Love Her Wild doesn’t take away from the cause and community….in fact, it helps me with my mission to get as many women out adventuring as possible.

And calling myself a businessperson (*cringe*) comes down to nothing more than having the confidence to own what I have built (still working on that one!).

Enterprise Nation

Enterprise Nation was the first networking event I joined in Bristol. Not only have I had the chance to meet some great entrepreneurs and bloggers in my area through their events but I also got to hear about their Next Generation Awards.

I was buzzing when I found out I’d been shortlisted for the final 10. And even more pleased when I heard I’d made the final 3 which came down to a public vote

…..thanks for voting!

Pitching to win

Earlier today I headed into London to the TSB city office where we’d be pitching. I met the other 2 finalists; Rebecca from Paynter Jacket and Michael from Turtle Pack.

We each had 5 minutes to share our business and 10 minutes of Q&A. To say that time went by in a flash would be an understatement!

They told us straight away who had won.

They picked me!!!

As well as a £2,500 investment towards Love Her Wild I’ve also won a year’s free co-working space and mentoring with TSB (very excited about this part).

What will I spend the money on? Initial plans are to invest it on getting some support to help me increase the number of Love Her Wild adventures I can organise and also a marketing campaign so more women hear about the community.

So much more than just the prizes!

I said to the judges that winning would mean so much more than just the prizes and I mean it. The judges I pitched to are hugely successful and inspiring (see below). Gaining their support and words of encouragement has given me a massive boost of confidence.

Maybe it’s time I started thinking bigger and seeing just how many women’s lives I can change through adventure….

Watch this space!!

Thank you Enterprise Nation, TSB and Enterprise Trust for supporting this award and making it happen! And to the judges Helen Booth (CEO, Enterprise Nation), Richard Davies (Director, TSB), Rishi Gupta (co-founder, Zero Waste Club) and Yani Vladimirova (Enterprise Engagement Manger, NACUE)!

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*Any women reading this?* I founded a women’s adventure community called Love Her Wild. Check out our private Facebook page and see what adventures we have coming up.