A NEW business course has been specially designed to meet the needs of women in Bradford district.

The programme has been developed by charity QED Foundation and Green Frog Innovation to help participants strike out on their own.

QED Foundation chief executive Dr Mohammed Ali said: "Bradford and Keighley are home to many dynamic small companies and self-employed people but women are less likely to decide to go it alone.

"We know the talent is out there but sometimes the idea of setting up in business can seem daunting. This course will give you the confidence to follow your dreams and the practical knowhow to make sure you succeed."

The Let's Talk Business programme offers five half-day sessions covering marketing, budgeting and finance and legal requirements and helps participants to test out their ideas and develop their skills.

The first course will be held at Quest House, Vicar Lane, from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Fridays, starting on March 3. Sessions at the Sangat Centre, Keighley, begin on March 29 and will run from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesdays.

The courses are open to women from all backgrounds but Muslim participants are particularly welcome. Let's Talk Business is supported by the NatWest Skills and Opportunities Fund, which enables the programme to be provided free of charge.

The courses will run alongside a monthly Enterprise Club at Rakkaposhi cafe in Ebenezer Street. The two-hour morning sessions are an opportunity to meet and share ideas with like-minded women, make friends and hear from inspirational role models who have been successful in a wide range of business areas. They will also take an in-depth look at a variety of topics such as social media and networking.

For more information on the enterprise courses or club, phone 0300 500 1000 or e-mail r.ullah@qed-uk.org or s.javed@qed-uk.org