Running a business takes courage. For many women—especially Black women entrepreneurs in South London—it also takes determination, resourcefulness, and a willingness to keep going even when the odds are stacked against you.

Lack of access to funding. Limited networks. Juggling caring responsibilities. Doubting your next step. These aren’t just background pressures—they’re daily realities that can make business feel out of reach.

That’s exactly why the Women in Enterprise programme exists.

Funded by the Thriving High Streets Fund, this latest phase focused on giving real, practical support to women-led businesses in Southwark. Over just three months, we delivered enterprise training, one-to-one mentoring, networking events and market opportunities—helping women move from stuck to supported.

Here’s what we achieved together:

• 66 Black and women-owned businesses received bespoke training and support
  
• 17 one-to-one mentoring sessions delivered
  
• 10 women completed our 8-week Start Your Own Enterprise course
  
• Participant confidence rose from 45% to 83%
  
• 2 market-style events held at Surrey Quays, with 91% of stalls run by Black women entrepreneurs
  
• 47 attendees at our Spring Networking Event—88% from Black women-led businesses
  
• Sustainability advice shared on energy saving, waste reduction and running greener stalls
  

And behind each of these numbers is a woman with an idea, a plan, or a business she’s quietly been building for years. Some were new to trading. Others were ready to grow. All brought energy, commitment and the kind of resilience that deserves more recognition.

“The course is so informative. Complete and useful content to start a business or improve an established one—trained by people with real-world experience.”

What We’re Hearing

Too often, women tell us they’re not “ready” to call themselves business owners—even if they’ve been selling products, offering services, or running a side hustle for years.

Others talk about underpricing their work or feeling unsure about how to promote themselves. Many are caring for family while building their business in the margins of the day.

They don’t need flashy apps or generic advice—they need space to grow, real-world tools, and someone in their corner.

What’s Working

This programme was built with that in mind. We focused on:

• Relevant training – everything from pricing and marketing to managing finances and compliance
  
• Trading opportunities – markets where women could test ideas and meet customers face-to-face
  
• Personalised mentoring – one-to-one time to build confidence and make a plan that fits real life
  

And it worked. The biggest shift wasn’t just in skills—it was in confidence.

“Privileged to attend Tree Shepherd’s training. Thank you for your contribution and your infectious energy.”

What We’re Proud Of

Since the start of this programme, we’ve supported 153 Black and women-led businesses—more than double our initial target. That’s not just our achievement—it’s yours too. The women we’ve worked with have shown what’s possible when support is practical, patient and rooted in community.

And we’re just getting started.

What’s Next

Tree Shepherd will keep offering free mentoring, affordable workspace, access to our Thrive Mini Market, and enterprise workshops for those who want to grow a business on their own terms.

Because when local women succeed, it strengthens the whole community.

Get Involved

Thinking about starting a business? Already running one and want to grow?

You don’t need to do it alone.

Book a free mentoring session, sign up for our next course, or apply for Thrive membership to trade at one of our monthly markets.

Visit treeshepherd.org.uk or email april@treeshepherd.org.uk to get started.