Are you full of business ideas but lack the confidence to take the next step?
Whether it's launching a new internet company or becoming a luxury events planner – how many of us actually transform our business ideas into a financially viable reality?
Every year the NatWest everywoman Awards recognises women who do just that. For, as co-founder of women’s business network everywoman Karen Gill explains, the number one thing holding budding female entrepreneurs back isn’t usually a lack of ideas, but a lack of confidence.
‘We want women to realise the possibilities are endless,’ enthuses Gill. ‘The point of the awards is to really get into minds of women who are just on the edge of doing something, but lack the confidence to take the next step.’
Launched in 2003 the annual NatWest everywoman Awards celebrate inspirational businesswomen who have achieved significant success - particularly those who've had to overcome adversities such as financial constraints, social disadvantages or skills gaps.
So rather than just being super high profile entrepreneurs, winners are just as likely to have started a one woman ironing business as they are a huge multinational company.
Winners are voted for by a panel of leading businesswomen including Chrissie Rucker (The White Company) and Sharon Hilditch (Crystal Clear) as well as everywoman founders Maxine Benson and Karen Gill.
If you know anyone or want to nominate yourself go to www.everywoman.com/ewawards right now.
Find out how some of the 2011 NatWest everywoman Award winners made their businesses a success below
‘When Miss Selfridge rang me I knew my business was a success’ Archie Archer, 38, owns entertainment agency Contraband International Ltd READ ARCHIE'S STORY HERE
‘I launched a boutique campervan hire company’ Sarah Guy, 42 runs the Isle of Wight Campervan Holidays company READ SARAH'S STORY HERE
‘I liked the idea of making music accessible to all’ Samantha Coe, 25, lives in Norwich and opened The Wharf music academy in November 2009 READ SAMANTHA'S STORY HERE
‘I dreamed of being the Net-A-Porter of beauty’ Zu Rafalat, 30, founded online beauty retailer zuneta.com in 2008 READ ZU'S STORY HERE