There are moments in business when you pause—not just to measure success but to recognise how far you’ve come and where you want to go next. The second event in the Seeds to Success series, held on 25th March at Bolton College, was one such moment. A room filled with ambitious, driven women entrepreneurs, all gathered to learn, connect, and step further into their own success stories.
Led by the inspirational Jackie Hyde, the session revolved around the power of awards, recognition, and building connections. It wasn’t just about trophies and titles—it was about the impact of being seen, heard, and valued.
Jackie, a powerhouse in the insurance industry and a fierce advocate for women in business, shared her insights on how awards can elevate not only a personal brand but an entire business. She broke down the process of applying for awards—what judges look for, the common mistakes to avoid, and why consistency is key. “Even if you don’t win, the process of applying gives you a powerful reflection of how far you’ve come and where you want to go next,” she said. It was a reminder that recognition isn’t just about external validation—it’s a strategic tool for growth.
One of the most powerful moments was when Jackie spoke about the Stacey’s Stepping Stone Award, which she launched four years ago to support and mentor women entrepreneurs. The excitement in the room was palpable—this wasn’t just about funding, it was about guidance, support, and a belief in the potential of women-led businesses.
But the day wasn’t just about reflection—it was about equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to thrive in the future. Enter Ganapathy Sankarabaaha, Founder & CEO of Martech, who delivered a short but impactful masterclass on AI for small businesses.
Ganapathy took what can often feel like a daunting, tech-heavy subject and made it accessible, practical, and, most importantly, actionable. He spoke about how AI is no longer just for big corporations—small businesses can use it to streamline operations, personalise customer experiences, and make smarter business decisions.
The energy in the room was electric. Pens were flying across notebooks, questions poured in, and lightbulb moments were happening in real time. AI wasn’t just a futuristic concept anymore—it was a tool within reach, ready to be harnessed.
As the event drew to a close, the room was buzzing—not just with excitement, but with new connections, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of possibility. Women left feeling empowered, informed, and ready to take bold steps forward in their businesses.
And this is just the beginning.
📅 Next up: 29th April! Bookings will open soon, and if the energy from this session is anything to go by, it’s set to be another unmissable event.
A heartfelt thank you to Bolton College, Innovate UK, our incredible speakers, and every entrepreneur who showed up ready to grow. The Seeds to Success series is more than just a programme—it’s a movement, and we can’t wait to see where it leads next.
#SeedsToSuccess #SheInspires #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #AwardsMatter #Networking #PersonalBrand #AIforBusiness #BoltonCollege #InnovateUK
