Women's Enterprise

CREA offers a range of support for women from exploring if self employment is an option; helping to get new businesses up and running; helping established businesses survive and grow; right through to closing or selling a business.

We give information, one to one business advice, run business start up courses, short seminars for fledgling businesses and provide advice, seminars and training on a range of business issues. Check out Forthcoming Events to see what we have on offer.

Most of our services are free or low cost. We try to be flexible about the times and places we offer our services. We have a team of experienced and qualified business advisers and you can opt for a female adviser if preferred. We also run some women only start up courses and can introduce you to a business women’s network near you.

We work hard to try and ensure our services are women friendly.

You have nothing to loose by contacting us but perhaps everything to gain.

We would like to make sure we offer what you need. Please let us have your views on our website, any of our services you have used, or tell us if we aren’t offering something that you think would really help you develop your business.

Contact us

Or for more information call 01539 726624

Case Studies

When Samantha Vyner-Brooks enrolled for a Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency Business Start-Up course in July 2000, she was single and planning to set up a floristry business. Just a year or so later she had married Crispin, whom she met on the course, and Samantha has now established a new business creating order out of chaos for busy people.

Castlerigg Farm has been providing camping facilities since the 1920s, and Doris Harrison came into the business in 1997 following the sudden death of her husband’s uncle. The site had a toilet and cold tap when Doris joined the family business, and since then she has developed a shop, modern shower and laundry facilities.

Mary and Graham Walker have been running Lakeland Llama Treks in Cumbria near Penrith for more than three years in addition to a specialist education and therapy centre, Lords House Farm, a registered charity in Lancashire which they established 18 years ago.

Llama Trekking clients were so enamoured with the delightful llamas that there were many requests for a Visitor Centre, as they wanted to learn more about the animals and have the opportunity to visit them again. It was a business opportunity the couple decided to explore. They were looking to expand their fascinating and unique business and relocate to Cumbria.

Name: Clare Farley
Location: Newton Reigny, Penrith

Previous work and experience: Clare worked with young people and in the public sector for over 17 years until ill health forced her to retire at the end of 2008. Pottery and ceramics have been a hobby for over 20 years, providing an ideal contrast to a busy and stressful job.

Name: Jacky York
Location: Kirkby Thore, Eden

Previous work and experience: Jacky worked in marketing for 25 years with senior roles in both consumer and industrial businesses, from confectionary to chemicals. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and is currently Chair of the CIM’s Cumbrian group.

Other useful links

Women in rural enterprise

Prowess

Business Link