Enterprise Circles
An Enterprise Circle is a group of between 4 and 6 women who have decided to form a group to provide peer support during start-up and running of their businesses. Circles are self-selecting – women may choose each other for a number of reasons: perhaps because of the complementary nature of their businesses, or the skills they feel they can share – or simply because they live close to each other or get on well!Circle formation is facilitated by WEETU, but the Circle is run and administered by the women who comprise it. Circles do not have a defined life – some may disband after a year or two, others may continue for much longer, and others may metamorphose into a more informal social group.
The aims of a Circle are:
· to provide peer support
· to combat isolation
· to act as a point-of-access to WEETU's unique peer-lending programme
Peer Lending - Loans
WEETU operates a system of peer-lending based on the principle of micro-credit. We do not carry out credit checks or ask for tangible collateral. A loan application can only be submitted when it is supported by every member of a Enterprise Circle – therefore employing the principle of social collateral. Members accept responsibility for supporting other members to find a resolution to any problems and to share information and advice but have no financial responsibility to each other.
To find out more information on Enterprise Circles and Loans, including current rates and repayment arrangements, book a place on our next Enterprise Circle Day. Ring our Enterprise Support Officer, Jeanette Flemons, in the office on 01603 230625.