BUSINESS Women Scotland is now taking applications for its next Programme for Growth.

A three-day course of talks and seminars for female business owners, with advice on issues such as strategy, planning, motivation and finance, it takes place online from March 9-11. BWS said the programme, supported by Royal Bank of Scotland and Scotland Can Do, is designed to encourage entrepreneurs at a crucial stage in the growth of their businesses. Founder Lynne Kennedy said: “We want to help women grow their business and develop them to the next level.”

Rickie Tank took part in the programme after she and Diane Francey set up Home Help Me Care, which provides at-home services for older people in the Edinburgh area, in 2017.

Ms Tank said: “We wanted to grow our business and, like many business owners, were so invested in working in the business we weren’t spending enough time developing and shaping our future growth.

“Pitching to a panel of business experts helped us validate that we had good core values, we needed to propel forward and we shouldn’t hesitate to sell ourselves as a premium care service.

“We went straight on to conclude a lease on a new office and undertake a £40,000 renovation. Programme for Growth gave us the confidence to make such a big investment, an important step in locating ourselves in the heart of our community.”