The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Impact Women programme offers free support to help female-led businesses in Scotland grow.

As part of the programme, you'll benefit from:

• expert one-to-one mentoring
• practical online training sessions
• guidance on how to develop a personal development plan and a business change plan
• meeting a network of like-minded women

The programme will help you to:

• build your confidence
• expand your skills
• overcome common challenges, such as getting funding and balancing competing commitments

The programme finishes with a dynamic pitching event, during which you'll get valuable industry exposure and feedback.

This is a 16-week programme that includes both in-person and online sessions.

The in-person sessions include 2 residential workshops that will be held over 2 successive days in Inverness, with a free overnight stay in between.

You must commit to attending both residential workshops, at least 5 online webinars, and at least 4 hours of coaching sessions.

To be eligible, you must be:

• a woman in a leading role in an existing business with a minimum annual turnover of £25,000 
• based in the Highlands and Islands region

Places are limited and will be assessed according to eligibility. Priority will be given to businesses and social enterprises that:

• operate from HIE's defined inclusive growth areas
• are led by younger women
• are developing in areas that strengthen HIE’s regional transformational opportunities, either directly or as part of the critical supply chain
• operate in digital and technology fields
• are developing inclusive democratic business models

There is no cost to participate in this programme. The overnight stay during the residential sessions is free.

You can also get assistance to help cover your travel and subsistence costs during the programme, including care costs. 

Women in a leading role in an existing business in the Highlands and Islands.

You must submit your expression of interest by midnight on 7 April 2026 to take part.

You'll receive a reply to your expression of interest within 5 working days. If your enquiry is successful, you'll be invited to apply.

The 16-week programme includes:

• 2 in-person residential workshops in Inverness, held over 2 successive days with a free overnight stay in between
• a minimum of 5 online webinars, lasting 3 hours each
• at least 4 hours of one-to-one mentoring over video call or phone

You must commit to attending both residential workshops, at least 5 online webinars, and at least 4 hours of coaching sessions.

Visit the HIE Impact Women page on the HIE website for more information and to submit an enquiry.