WORCESTERSHIRE Women2Web, a project that has helped more than 300 local business women start up and grow online, has received an additional £54,000 boost after the County Council applied to a Government fund.

Some of the money from the Superfast Broadband Challenge Fund is being used for a series of free networking sessions covering mentoring and digital training, the first of which will start in September for local business women, aspiring female entrepreneurs and any woman looking at getting back in to work.

Cllr Simon Geraghty, County Council cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "This is a fantastic, free opportunity for female business owners across the county to access tailored workshops and training sessions to help support their business growth and understand the benefits that superfast broadband can have on their business. For those women who are thinking about starting their own business, it will give them the basics and help equip them with the knowledge they need to make their business dreams a reality."

The sessions will focus on a number of subjects, including how to set up an online business, creating and maintaining a website including search engine optimisation, social media, superfast broadband and online security.

Worcestershire County Council applied for the money in partnership with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Business, Midwest Rural Enterprise Network and Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE). To register an interest in the project, contact Lorna Jeynes on ljeynes@worcestershire.gov.uk or call 01905 768404