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In Memory of Stacey Withington Overview: SheInspire’s Stepping Stones is a ground-breaking initiative addressing the critical lack of funding and support for women entrepreneurs, particularly those running small, women-led micro-businesses. While women entrepreneurs receive less than 2% of venture capital funding globally, most of this is directed towards high-growth, high-tech businesses, leaving small and micro-businesses virtually invisible. These businesses, often the backbone of local economies and communities, struggle to access the funding and resources they need to thrive. SheInspire’s Stepping Stones fills this void by focusing on women entrepreneurs overlooked by traditional funding systems. Building on the success of the Stepping Stone Award, now in its fifth ye...

A community interest company (CIC) set up by two women based in Bolton has won a prestigious award for their dedication to the community. Saving Threads CIC was set up by Rachel Craven, 37, and Leander Moore, 38, during lockdown in 2020. The organisation has raised more than £40,000 for a number of borough charities, including Fortalice and Bolton Hospice. Rachel, who works as a manager in the NHS’s therapy service, said: “We began raising money during lockdown for our friend’s daughter, who was being cared for in Ronald McDonald House in Manchester. Full Story on Bolton News