Business group 'puts women in the spotlight'

A woman who set up a networking group connecting female entrepreneurs said she wanted to "put women in the spotlight" who "don't shout about what we do and our achievements".
Lauren Troiano, 32, started the Female Founders Club in Bedfordshire six months ago to highlight local businesses and boost collaboration.
She said the free group, which has gained about 52 members, offered a place for women to meet, communicate, network and support each other.
Monika Czuj, one of its members, said: "It's unfolded so many opportunities in the business world that would not have been possible without this network."

Ms Troiano, from Bedford, started The Little Marketing Company last year after having her son.
She said she became a "female founder" because she wanted to "highlight and put women in the spotlight who own their own business - and too many times are quiet and don't shout about what we do and our achievements".
During her maternity leave she made new connections, met other mums and "came across so many wonderful women with their own businesses".
It led her to start the group, to provide "a free community coming together occasionally to support each other, network and form collaboration".
"It's collaboration over competition every day of the week," she said.

Member, Ms Czuj, 38, started her business Veggie Crush in 2020, which has transitioned to a meal preparation company.
"I joined the network to get support and be part of the community - that is something women are so good at," she said.
"It was a massive help for building my business that has now gone nationwide.
"It's like a trampoline - you meet one person, then you meet someone else. It's unfolded so many opportunities in the business that would not have been possible without this network."

Lulu Cato-Olude, 36, runs the Bedford franchise of the Mum Club - a group that supports mothers - and works full-time in events, alongside caring for her 18-month-old.
She moved to Bedford from London three years ago and initially "didn't know anyone".
"The business world is heavily dominated by men, but in the group about 50% are mums - they've found a new work-life balance that works for them," she said.
"I'm in awe of how many amazing women there are. Their energy is electric.
"It's bringing women together, it's just put an amazing spotlight on everyone's business.
"Now I'm part of a community, not just the ex-Londoner."

Danielle Cox, 29, runs her own wellbeing business at Cox Hair Holistic and Beauty Therapies, in Bedford.
"I realised how important it is to lean on one another. It's allowed me to gain my own confidence in holding group workshops and different events," she said.
"It's to break the stigma that it's not about competition, it's about collaboration. All of us members can offer something different, we're learning from each other.
"It's lovely to connect with like-minded women who understand others' struggles and come up with resolutions."

Since its launch, the group has been "phenomenal", said Ms Troiano.
"It's been so lovely to see people willing to work together.
"People often think you are competing against each other, but if you have an open conversation, nine times out of 10 people are open, want to support each other and then that can lead to collaboration."
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