Women across Scotland are being invited to explore their entrepreneurial potential through a brand-new programme of free, confidence-building webinars and 1:1 coaching sessions delivered by Business Gateway and funded by the Scottish Government, launching to coincide with International Women’s Day 2026.

The InspireHER series, running throughout March, will kick off as part of the global celebration of women’s achievements and aims to encourage more women to consider entrepreneurship as a realistic and rewarding career path.

Created to support women who are considering starting a business, as well as those who may not yet see entrepreneurship as an option but want to discover what might be possible, the series will provide practical guidance, inspiration and support at every stage.

Through four interactive online sessions delivered by Coach Nic Henderson, participants will gain practical skills, fresh perspectives and the confidence to take their first steps towards self-employment or launching a new venture.

The programme focuses on helping women recognise their strengths, overcome common barriers, unlock creativity and build the essential knowledge needed to plan and manage a successful business.

Webinar topics include:

• Designing a business around your strengths
• Overcoming obstacles
• Unlocking creativity
• Practicalities of business planning and managing your money

Each session is designed to be supportive, accessible and action-focused, providing practical tools alongside real-world advice to help attendees move from ideas to action.

Councillor Gail Macgregor, Chair of the Business Gateway Board and COSLA Environment & Economy Spokesperson, said: “We know many women have the skills, ideas and determination to start their own business, but often lack the confidence or clarity to take that first step. Launching InspireHER around International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the incredible potential of women in business. The series is about opening the door to entrepreneurship, breaking down perceived barriers and showing that starting a business can be achievable and rewarding. We want every participant to leave feeling empowered and ready to explore what’s next.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Scottish Government is resolutely committed to working with partners across the public and private sectors to get to the heart of tackling under-representation in our start-up business community.

“It must be our collective mission to continue to break down barriers for women entering business and I am pleased the Scottish Government could support this new InspireHer initiative. I urge women from every corner of the country with an interest in starting a business to find out more about the opportunities taking place this month.”

The webinars are free to attend and open to women at all stages, whether they already have a business idea or are simply curious about self-employment.

Places can be booked online, and early registration is encouraged due to expected demand. You can find out more here.

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.com.