A: Yes of course. We welcome women in business regardless of your address (we even have a few international members). We do, however, target women in rural areas as our expertise lies here. We allow our members to promote their businesses through country shows and have business partners which are particularly knowledgeable in advising rural businesses, but that doesn’t mean we give anyone outside rural areas less opportunity to network or promote their business.
A: Yes, rural is a state of mind not a postcode or perhaps your customers are rural. If we don’t have a network up and running in your area, we do encourage members to start one! The Rural Marketplace is a good example of customers looking to buy products from fellow members and they don’t always have to be rural.
A: WiRE membership is per individual rather than for the company. Each individual who wishes to attend network meetings needs to be a Member. You are welcome to bring a guest/s to a meeting before they join, but after two meetings they need to become a member to carry on attending. We do this to make it as fair as possible for our existing members.
A: Absolutely, WiRE offers business support to a range of women throughout different stages of business. You may want to take advantage of our conferences, courses or business help articles to start and create your business profile. We have rural experts on hand, as well as the Rural Marketplace – full of women already in business. WiRE has an Opening Doors programme run in the West Midlands to help businesses starting up/under 12months, offering personal business advice and tailored courses. You are always welcome to contact us to find out more.
A: You can choose how you would like WiRE to benefit your business so if you don’t want to actively promote your business further, you could use our Business Help articles to improve your knowledge on a particular subject, contact one of our Partners to ask advice on a legal matter or attend our network meetings for some company/support. WiRE is about being part of a business community with many opportunities to take advantage of, that suits your business needs.
A: WiRE continues to support businesses through all stages of growth and development – we have opportunities to promote your business through the Rural Marketplace, Shows & Events and Conferences no matter how big or small. We also have business Partners which can assist with legal advice, card processing offers, insurance policies etc. for all sizes. If you want the opportunity to network and promote, as well as being able to ask for help if needed then WiRE can benefit your business.
