Harbouring a secret ambition to launch a business but nervous about taking the plunge? You’re not alone. New research has found that 48% of women say fear of failure would hold them back.

That’s why we were heartened to hear the announcement from Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan that £50,000 is going to be invested in Meet a Mentor events for women across the UK this autumn.

The free speed-dating-style networking events will run from September 22nd until the end of the year in London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow, giving the entrepreneurially-minded a chance to pick the brains of successful businesswomen.

“The mentors can share their experiences of every stage of their business journey, from pipe dream to achieving success,” Nicky Morgan told Stylist.

The majority of the mentors will be women.

“The power of female to female mentoring lies in inspiration and trust,” she noted, “Another woman knows the kinds of barriers you may face. This is reassuring and allows women to overcome one of the main hurdles faced – lack of confidence.”

When the events ran last year, 80% of attendees landed a long-term mentor. So how do you get the most from it?

“Go with three specific things you want to achieve,” suggests Nike Jonah, who runs an arts and culture consultancy and attended last year. “It’s fast-paced so you need to be targeted with your questions.”

To sign up as a mentee (or mentor) visit ioee.eventbrite.co.uk. Who knows, you could be floating on the stock exchange by next year.

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