HIE Impact Women Programme For Female Led Businesses
18th March 2026
The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Impact Women programme offers free support to help female-led businesses in Scotland grow. This is a 16-week programme that includes both in-person and online sessions.
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
This is a 16-week programme that includes both in-person and online sessions. The programme finishes with a dynamic pitching event, during which you'll get valuable industry exposure and feedback.
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. The second residential workshop will include the pitching event.
You must commit to attending:
both residential workshops
at least 5 of the 8 online webinars
at least 4 hours of coaching sessions
The dates of the first residential workshop are still to be confirmed, but it will likely be held during the week of 4 May 2026. The final residential session, including the pitching event, will likely to be during the week of 24 August 2026.
The webinars will run from May to August 2026.
What does this cost?
There is no cost to participate in this programme. The overnight stays during the residential sessions are free.
You can also get assistance to help cover your travel and subsistence costs during the programme, including care costs.
Who is this for?
Women in a leading role in an existing business in the Highlands and Islands.