Our recent community-based work has all been about overcoming challenges.
The first barrier concerns prejudice.
Specifically, we’re talking about the gender investment gap that is preventing female entrepreneurs from raising finance.
Did you know that women received only 1.1% of all funding distributed in the UK in 2021?
That’s why Louise Roberts has donated hours of her time to supporting aspiring business women over the last few years, via the Female Founder Accelerator series.
Through a special Power Presenter workshop, Louise equipped the latest group of entrepreneurs with the techniques used by the world’s leading presenters.
It means that when they next pitch for investment, there will be few people better prepared.
Spiderwomen
The second challenge demanded considerable mental and physical strength.
OTD’s Qian Zhao and Hayley Rock agreed to abseil more than 100 metres down the side of one of Birmingham’s tallest residential buildings – that’s higher than Niagara Falls!
Neither had abseiled before. And while there was professional help at the top of the building, Qian and Hayley only had each other for company on the descent.
As the wind picked up speed, few would have blamed our dynamic duo for pulling out but that was never part of their plan.
They not only completed the challenge but raised more than £3,000 for Edward’s Trust in the process.
For Hayley – and for Qian – it was especially poignant.
Hayley’s best friend is coping with the tragedy of losing her son, Harry, and the money raised will support similar families and young people facing loss and surviving a bereavement.
They certainly honoured Harry’s memory.
If you’d like to donate, here’s how to do so.