The f:Entrepreneur campaign – delivered by Small Business Britain, champion of the UK’s small businesses – is opening applications for its prestigious #iAlso100 campaign, which spotlights 100 of the nation’s brilliant and inspiring female entrepreneurs.

Each year the campaign features a diverse line-up of 100 phenomenal female business owners from all over the country and across a variety of fields. It aims to recognise the vibrant and growing tide of women running businesses, whilst also juggling a roster of roles and responsibilities which support their communities and peers.

Indeed, research undertaken by the campaign earlier this year for International Women’s Day signalled a strong entrepreneurial outlook among women, despite the challenges of the pandemic and the growing cost of living crisis.

Almost one fifth (17%) of women in the UK said they would consider starting their own businesses, with almost half (48%) citing a desire for more money as the biggest driver, followed by 46% wanting the freedom of being their own boss and 44% keen to pursue a passion.

The f: Entrepreneur campaign aims to profile and grow this trend by spotlighting a diverse range of role models to inspire all small businesses. The businesses featured also demonstrate a commitment to championing diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Now in its fifth year, the impact of the popular campaign has grown year-on-year and it attracted a record number of applications for last year’s #iAlso100.

Each member of the #iAlso100 is showcased on f:Entrepreneur’s website and all social media platforms. There are exclusive monthly events for members to attend offering skills training, as well as networking through its large community network, filled with collaboration, support, friendship and inspiration. There are also opportunities to host events, speak on panels across Small Business Britain’s campaigns, as well as other marketing support.

“Being an #iAlso 2022 winner has been the most valuable recognition for my business and most importantly for me as an entrepreneur,” says Paulomi Debnath, owner of Handmade By Tinni.

“The team provides world-class business training and support for fellow winners. You never feel alone in the journey as you always belong to a loving and supportive community of fellow business owners. It has also opened doors to other opportunities related to my brand and resulted in business growth.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, who launched f-entrepreneur in 2017 and is also the founder of Small Business Britain said: “Female entrepreneurs across the UK make a hugely powerful contribution to the economy, their communities and broader society, and they need greater recognition. With so many challenges out there for business owners it’s vital that we celebrate these entrepreneurs doing great things and cheer them on.”

“I’d encourage any woman running a small business in the UK today who has a great story to tell, to get involved and put yourself forward. The campaign brings some fantastic opportunities to raise your profile and share your views on the key issues impacting female business owners.” 

Applications for the f:Entrepreneur #iAlso 100 are open until 30th September 2022 and it is free to enter via the website – https://f-entrepreneur.com/fentrepreneur-100/