The “ReferHer” programme will connect women entrepreneurs around the world with creative resources, capital and coaching at women’s co-working spaces in five global cities. Participating co-working spaces include AllBright (London), The Jane Club (Los Angeles), Mona by My Little Paris (Paris), One Roof (Melbourne), and Make Lemonade (Toronto).  

Through the ReferHer initiative, Vista is inviting women-owned small businesses to apply to be part of an exclusive networking dinner that kicks off “ReferHer” and also nominate a fellow female small business owner from their community to join them. 50 applicants will be selected, 10 per country, along with their plus one, for a total of 100 globally. Those selected will receive: 

• A seat at an exclusive networking dinner in their country of residence, along with their +1
• IFW annual membership 
• A Vista package of design and marketing resources 
• Memberships/resources from the co-working space in her respective market for her and her +1 
• Two selected winners in each country will be granted £10,000 towards their business, which will be announced at the dinner 

The in-country dinners will be held in May and hosted by established female entrepreneurs. The attending small business owners will receive personalised coaching from IFW, an introduction to Vista’s creative resources and an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs in their markets. 

Emily Shirley, General Manager of Vista UK and Ireland said: “We pride ourselves on offering every small business the tools and resources to succeed and bring their vision to life. By championing women-owned businesses around the globe with ReferHer, we want to encourage a generation of women-owned businesses to succeed for years to come. We’re excited to meet each and every one of our winning female small business owners in May and discuss how we can help take their business to the next level.”   

Karen Cahn, Founder and CEO of IFundWomen, added: “We’re thrilled to partner with Vista for this special opportunity to support women small business owners. Through this program, we’ll celebrate and spotlight this group of entrepreneurs as we continue our mission to closing the funding gap for women-owned businesses.”  

Women-owned small businesses can apply between March 22-April 8. Experts from Vista and IFW will review the applications and announce the 100 small businesses on April 26. The dinner series will take place in May.