A bit of a back Story…

In 2020 Shine partnered with She Business to launch ‘SheCanShine’, in sponsorship with NatWest. Since 2024, Shine and Leeds City Council’s UKSPF Fund have funded the programme with sponsorship from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. SheCanShine has helped build a bridge to confidence for under-represented women in Leeds and several woman starting businesses in Yorkshire.

From the early days of Zoom gatherings and supporting each other through the unknowns of the pandemic to our most lively programme to date — did someone say delicious food and connecting with business besties — each year the programme reaches new inspirational highs. Founded by women, run by women, for women…like you!

Why SheCanShine?

Women entrepreneurs attract only 3% of all investment funding. While much has been made about discrimination and cultural bias, we believe this astounding stat is the result of two bigger truths: women entrepreneurs lack confidence and connections.

SheCanShine empowers female entrepreneurs, particularly those from disadvantaged or hard-to-reach communities by providing them with connectivity and confidence. We immerse them in learning, connect them to resources, and most importantly, provide a platform for peer to peer support and a wider network. The togetherness of our cohorts is where the magic happens -- their world expands and their confidence blossoms.

The SheCanShine class of 2025-26 will experience the following:

• Inspiring talks from female founders

• Business Workshops (business planning, finance, marketing, funding, sales, wellness)

• Tailored networking events for early-stage businesses

• 1:1 mentoring from experienced and nurturing entrepreneurs

• Access to inspiring workspace (Shine) with a professional address

• Digital community platform for members to connect between live events, access resources, and expand their networks through SheCanShine Alumni

VOLUNTEER

Sponsor

Donor

Use your expertise:

• Speak to our entrepreneurs on a topic at a workshop

• Sit on a panel reviewing their final pitches.

This includes a Shine lunch for each of your volunteers, free parking, and your company name and info posted to the SheCanShine socials. Up to 4 people per company.

Platform Level: Provide foundational support across SheCanShine;

£20,000 + vat

• Placement of your logo on all communications, digital platform, and Shine website.

• A profile for your own website and ESG communications.

• SheCanShine speaking to your team.

Sponsor an entrepreneur: Directly sponsor up to 5 entrepreneurs and follow their story as they build their business idea into reality.

£1,500 +vat (per person)

This includes a mention of your company on our social media channels, our website, and SheCanShine platform, and regular updates about the entrepreneurs you have sponsored.

SME Growth, Supply Chain

Empowering Women

Social Impact, Community

Employee Engagement

Make an Impact Through SheCanShine

Strengthen the small business sector in line with Government objectives.

Improve the diversity of SMEs.

Expand supply chains and ensure ethical businesses play a role.

Improve and increase the percentage of women owned SMEs while helping them to be more sustainable.

Give women the opportunity to improve their lives, reducing inequality while increasing their confidence.

SheCanShine is run by a social enterprise, re-investing its profits into the local community and programmes for women in business.

Many of the women on the programme are from challenging social and economic backgrounds. Their change is a change for their community.

Give your team the chance to volunteer by using their expertise.

Improves employee wellbeing by investing in tangible impact.

SheCanShine stories inspire and motivate staff, increasing loyalty and job satisfaction.

If you’d like expand your impact, change the world by empowering women, or simply love the idea of supporting SheCanShine, please drop us an email to set up a call to discuss the options.