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Business group 'puts women in the spotlight'

Alex Pope
BBC News, Bedfordshire
Reporting fromBedford
Emily Bateman Photography Lauren Troiano standing by a wall, wearing a white top. She has long dark hair and a necklace on, and is smiling.Emily Bateman Photography
Lauren Troiano set up the Female Founders group so she did not "feel as lonely"

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."

Emily Bateman Photography A large group of women in a room smiling at the camera. They are all wearing black and some are kneeling down, while others are sitting or standing. Emily Bateman Photography
The Female Founders group has about 52 members including shop owners, yoga instructors, beauty therapists and dance teachers

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.

Emily Bateman Photography Monika Czuj wearing a black top and leopard print jacket, with her long hair tied back. She is smiling and looking at the camera. Emily Bateman Photography
Monika Czuj said being part of the group meant you could listen to and help other members, and it "works both ways"

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."

Emily Bateman Photography Lulu Cato-Olude, standing by a wall, with long hair, wearing a black top and pink jacket. She is looking straight at the camera and smiling. Emily Bateman Photography
Lulu Cato-Olude said the group "shows we're in the same space, that we can support and champion each other"

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."

Emily Bateman Photography Danielle Cox standing in a room by a wall with long dark hair, wearing a jacket and beige top. She is smiling and looking straight at the camera. Emily Bateman Photography
Danielle Cox said she felt "empowered", adding "we all bounce off each other"

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."

The Little Marketing Company A large number of images of women dangling off threads of fabric from a frame, situated in a room with seating and tables. The Little Marketing Company
Photos of the "female founders" were shown at a special exhibition in Milton Ernest to mark International Women's Day

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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