In August 2006, the South West RDA recruited a Women's Enterprise Advisor, to coordinate activity on women's enterprise for the region and to help create the conditions to increase the proportion of women starting and growing businesses. 
 
Encouraging new enterprise and improving participation in the economy are two key priorities identified in the Regional Economic Strategy. Supporting more women into business delivers benefits in both of these priorities. 
 
To support this work a Regional Advisory Group on Women's Enterprise has been established to help determine the future direction of support for women in the region.  
 
If you are a business advisor or a woman thinking about starting a business, are already in business and wishing to grow, or just want some support on an aspect of business then please take a look at the South West Directory of Business Support for Women. Here you will find inspiration from other women in the region along with support ranging from workspace to training programmes. It will also tell you where you can gain support in an all female environment or where you can access support where there is childcare provision.