Since its inception in 2019, Santander’s Women Business Leaders’ Mentoring Programme has been a cornerstone in advancing the role of female founders and business owners in the UK. This initiative aligns with the Government’s Investing in Women Code, a strategy aimed at enhancing the growth of women-led businesses through better access to finance, resources, and essential tools.
Programme Overview
The Santander programme is tailored specifically for emerging female entrepreneurs who demonstrate a high potential for rapid business growth. Participants in the programme are afforded a unique opportunity to receive guidance from experienced mentors. These mentors, selected for their extensive leadership background across various sectors, possess a minimum of five years in leadership roles, ensuring they bring a wealth of knowledge and insight.
Key Components of the Programme
The Santander Breakthrough Women Business Leaders’ Mentoring Programme is meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of emerging female entrepreneurs. One of the foundational elements of this programme is the mentorship matching process. Each participant is paired with an experienced mentor, carefully chosen based on their extensive leadership experience in a relevant sector. This ensures that the guidance provided is not only insightful but also directly applicable to the participant’s business context.
Another critical aspect of the programme is the enhancement of business perspectives. Through the mentorship, participants are encouraged to explore innovative approaches to their business. The mentors, with their vast experience, play a pivotal role in guiding the participants through this exploration, offering new viewpoints and strategies that might not have been previously considered.
“In business and in life, asking for help and advice is essential, but it’s not always easy to do. For as hard as it can be, asking for help means you can learn and grow – and hopefully avoid making a few mistakes along the way too. Asking for help is not a burden; it’s an investment in your own growth. That’s why we launched our programme – to match female business owners with experienced business professionals, giving them the opportunity to share insights and experiences. A problem shared is a problem halved, and you’d be surprised how much people are willing to help if they’re only asked for it.” Susan Davies, Head of Business Banking at Santander UK
Commitment to regular engagement forms the backbone of the programme’s effectiveness. Participants and mentors meet routinely to discuss and refine business objectives, ensuring a focused and goal-oriented mentorship. These regular interactions are crucial for participants to gain the most from their mentors’ expertise and for mentors to provide tailored support that aligns with each participant’s specific business needs.
In addition to mentorship, the programme provides participants with a suite of resources designed to enhance their learning and development within the programme. This comprehensive resource allocation is aimed at ensuring that every participant can fully leverage the opportunities presented by the programme.
Finally, the programme offers the invaluable benefit of networking. Participants become part of an active and dynamic network of female founders. This network serves as a platform for collaboration, support, and the sharing of experiences and best practices among like-minded entrepreneurs, further enriching the overall programme experience.
“It’s a no brainer! Asking for help is like pushing on an open door, there are so many people and organisations out there willing to help, guide and support business owners. I know how lonely it can be, but having a mentor is one of the best ways to help you and your business, whatever stage your business is at. At each meeting, agree what you’re going to do and take action – no action means no change.” Sarah Willingham, entrepreneur, and Dragons Den star
Programme Duration and Commitment
The mentoring programme spans from March to November annually. Participants are expected to dedicate a minimum of 30 hours to mentoring and educational activities, ensuring a substantial investment in their personal and business growth.
The Santander Breakthrough Women Business Leaders’ Mentoring Programme is more than just a mentoring initiative; it’s a vital conduit for empowering the next generation of female business leaders in the UK. Through this programme, Santander reaffirms its commitment to nurturing female entrepreneurship and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive business landscape.