Crowdfunding Made Simple

This is an absolutely brilliant introduction to Crowdfunding. It is a great option for raising finance for projects or new enterprise and is becoming more and more popular as a viable alternative to grant funding. The easiest and simplest way to describe the way that it works is to think about a big crowd of people linked together through social media, and they all come together to support a project with small donations. All those small contributions, quickly add up to make a considerable sum of money to support a good cause.

A successful campaign requires good planning, a great pitch, ongoing marketing, humour and a video to sell your pitch.

Take a look and ask me questions by email on resma100@blueamba.com

NatWest Everywoman Awards now open for 2013

NatWest - Everywoman Awards: 2013 Round Open

The NatWest Everywoman Awards are open to any female business owner whether they operate as a limited company, sole trader or in partnership with others. This is the UK's longest-running programme for championing female enterprise and they aim to play a significant role in recognising success, inspiring more women into business enterprise and ventures.

Do contact us if you fit one of these categories. You won't win if you don't enter!

Selection as a finalist or winner in the NatWest Everywoman Awards brings with it attention and support from the business community, government, industry and the press. The achievement also brings credibility and recognition for the finalist or winner's company.

The NatWest Everywoman Awards are open to any female business owner, whether they operate as a limited company, sole trader, or in partnership with others in the UK.

The awards reward not only businesswomen who have achieved significant success, but also women who have overcome adversities such as financial constraints, social disadvantages or skills gaps. Examples of the awards categories are as follows:

• Artemis Award for women under 25
• Demeter Award for women aged between 26 and 35
• Athena Award for women aged between 36 and 49
• Hera Award for women over 50

So you enter one of the above categories and this leads to one of the following awards:

• The NatWest Everywoman Award - recognises the most passionate and dedicated woman business owner who the judges feel has overcome significant challenges to achieve outstanding business success. The award winner will be selected from the finalists of the four categories.
• The Iris Award - this award will go to the woman whose business growth and success has been greatly approved, through successful implementation and use of IT and communications. The award winner will be selected from the finalists of the four categories.
• The Hestia Award - This award is given to the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a business in a remote rural location and makes a contribution to the local community.
• The Gaia Award - This award is given to the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a business with a clearly defined social and/or ethical purpose at its heart.
• The Spirit of Everywoman Award - given to the woman that has changed the landscape for women in business through determination, commitment and dedication.
• The Everywoman Ambassador Award - this is awarded to a successful woman whose achievements and high profile are inspiring more young women to excel. Research shows that 90% of young women agree that high profile women are playing a positive role in encouraging more women to achieve success. This award is not open to entry.

Two finalists and nominees from the main categories will be chosen to receive The NatWest Everywoman Award and the Everywoman Iris Award. Winners will also be chosen to receive the Spirit of Everywoman Award and the Everywoman Ambassador Award.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is 8 July 2013

2013 Awards ceremony: 4 December 2013

http://www.everywoman.com/

Grow Your Charity Online

This month Google has launched a free initiative that intends to help 30,000 small and medium-sized charities enhance their fundraising capabilities by improving their digital abilities.

‘Grow Your Charity Online’ www.growyourcharityonline.com/uk  is a new learning hub for UK charities that offers tools and advice on how to use the internet  to promote causes, raise donations and operate more efficiently.  Its aimed at small to medium sized charities with a turnover less than £1million.
Provided by Media Trust and the Charity Technology Trust, the initiative will offer an online learning hub, training, free workshops and live events. You can also sign up for some free advertising and business apps that commercial companies have to pay for.

Organisations can sign up through the website, and learn how to use the internet to increase their reach, develop their fundraising and improve their engagement with volunteers. Google’s UK employees will commit a percentage of their work time to the project this year by offering their internet expertise at workshops throughout the UK and online.

Matt Brittin, vice-president of Google’s northern and central European operations, said: "The web is essential for charities to access new tools to share stories, help people and raise money.  "Britain’s charities need sustainable, practical methods to help them grow and really make a difference, and Grow Your Charity Online aims to help these organisations succeed."
If you need any assistance, or just some advice, please feel free to contact Blue Amba anytime.