THE potential of women entrepreneurs is set to be unlocked as part of a year-long recruitment drive by the region's leading high-growth start-up initiative.

Mustard.uk.com is actively targeting women in a bid to stimulate the entrepreneurial culture they possess and boost the West Midlands economy in the process.

The idea, which has been developed in conjunction with Business Link and a number of partners, will provide a series of specialist workshops to encourage and develop the skills needed for women to start their own business.

Kul Sanghera, the project director with Mustard.uk.com explained: "Research shows that female entrepreneurs who would like to set up their own business face barriers that prevent them from fulfilling their true potential, such as demands on their time, family responsibilities and workplace stereotypes.

"In fact, just a quarter of the UK's self-employed workers are women, and the West Midlands has the lowest rate in the UK. What we want to do is take away these hurdles by offering a more flexible approach, which gives them a chance to learn valuable business techniques and explore routes into self-employment, with the emphasis very much on high growth businesses."

The first of the three-day workshops was held in January and attracted more than 50 women. Further events are planned over the next three months to tackle issues, such as raising business aspirations, complementary skills matching and introductions into marketing, planning and finance.

"Each session will be delivered using role models, case studies and coaching skills to really get the best out of individuals," added Mr Sanghera.

"Furthermore, the workshops will be held across the region and will respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs by avoiding school holidays, minimising travel and offering flexible provision for childcare."

Paul Warwick, business advisor for Mustard.uk.com is delighted with the response.

"The events have proved to be very popular, so we know that there are women out there eager to set up in their own businesses and become the entrepreneurs of the future," he said.

Managed by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Mustard.uk.com has assisted more than 2,800 entrepreneurs in launching high growth businesses.

For details about future workshops contact Mustard on 08001 695967 or log on to www.mustard.uk.com.