We are seeking funding to support our community space in Aberdeen!
Why Fund the Women’s Shed Project?
With the endorsement of the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, our initiative has proven its credibility and impact. But more importantly, the true strength of the Women’s Shed Project is in its grassroots approach — where marginalised women uplift and support one another. This isn’t a story of helplessness or a “damsel in distress” but one of dignity, resilience, and collective empowerment.
Take Mitissa, for example. A survivor of domestic violence with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), her only path to self-sufficiency was through her Mehendi design skills. With our support at key events, she retained all her earnings, gained financial independence, and now runs her own small business within our network of women helping women. Currently, she lacks a physical space to showcase her talents—something we are determined to change.
Another member shared her creative journey with us through a children’s book inspired by her son’s resilience as an immigrant. With our guidance, she connected with investors and secured the business support needed to grow her project. She, too, lacks a space to sell her books, but we have committed to showcasing them in our community retail space.
Some women wanted more than just a place to meet—they wanted a home away from home, a cosy space they could decorate and truly call their own. That’s why we’re creating a welcoming “Café with a Difference.” We’ll even cater to gluten- and dairy-free preferences—because inclusivity is part of the experience. This isn’t just a café; it’s a hub for connection, creativity, and culture, where women showcase their talents, pour soul into every cup, and remind you that coffee and tea can taste like home and adventure all at once. Have you tasted Cardamom and Ginger coffee served in cut crystal glasses?
These are just a few examples of how the Women’s Shed Project Pilot will be changing lives, but there are many more untold stories of marginalised women still facing obstacles. With your support, we can help them rewrite their narratives.
Key Reasons to Support:
• Proven Impact: Empowering women to achieve financial independence and reduce reliance on public benefits.
• Scalable Growth: A replicable model utilising franchising and business incubation to create widespread opportunities.
• Strategic Alignment: Contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Aberdeen’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) Stretch Outcomes.
• Part of a National Effort: Social enterprises like this contribute £78 billion annually (3.4% of the UK’s GDP) and reinvest £1 billion into social and environmental causes. They play a crucial role in addressing inequality and climate change while adhering to the UN SDGs.
Mission:
To empower women through self-reliance, economic independence, and community engagement.
Vision:
A future where women from diverse backgrounds flourish socially, financially, and creatively through inclusive opportunities.
Core Values:
• Inclusivity and Respect
• Community Empowerment
• Innovation and Tradition
Key Initiatives and Their Impact:
1. Phone a Friend Initiative:
• Peer-to-peer support for emotional and practical assistance, fostering community resilience.
• Target: Support 200 women annually.
2. Minority Stories Initiative:
• Promotes social inclusion by preserving cultural diversity through storytelling.
3. Eco-Feminist Research:
• Innovative projects such as electricity-generating bikes and vertical wall gardens to explore sustainable energy solutions.
4. Coffee with a Difference Café:
• A community space offering employment and skills development, showcasing local ingredients.
• Goal: Create 30+ jobs within 3 years.
5. E-commerce Website & Retail Space:
• Showcasing products made through traditional crafts, including:
• Signature Happy Dolls - Circular Fashion Inspired
• Handmade accessories and gifts labelled “Made in Aberdeen,” “Scottish Made,” and “British Made.”
• Revenue Potential: £250,000 annually while supporting local artisans.
6. Maker Space Employment and Business Incubator:
• 30 flexible hybrid jobs for women and micro-business incubation.
• Empowering women to transition from skill development to business ownership.
7. Workshops and Training:
• Affordable maker space-based activities, fostering crafting and entrepreneurial skills.
• Target: Train 300+ women annually.
Alignment with LOIP Stretch Outcomes:
• Reducing financial insecurity and fuel poverty.
• Increasing employment opportunities by 74% in Aberdeen.
• Supporting family well-being and developmental milestones.
• Promoting sustainability through storytelling and eco-friendly initiatives.
Aligned SDGs:
• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Social Enterprises Deliver Proven Results:
Social enterprises like the Women’s Shed contribute £78 billion annually (3.4% of the UK’s GDP) and reinvest £1 billion into social and environmental causes, helping to drive sustainable growth and equality.
How Your Support Will Make a Difference:
Franchising Opportunities (Launching Year 2):
From Year 2, franchising opportunities will allow women to establish local branches.
Franchise Model Highlights:
• Empowering Leaders: Franchisees receive training and support to run their own branches.
• Sunflower Impact Model: Balancing consistency with adaptability for local needs.
Projected Milestones (Years 2–4):
• Year 2: Launch 1–2 pilot franchises.
• Year 3: Expand to 3–5 branches, generating £150,000–£200,000.
• Year 4: Scale internationally and adapt to diverse communities.
Key Goals and Measurable Impact:
• For every 35 women moved off public benefits, £1 million in public spending is saved annually.
• Target by Year 4: Transition 500 women off benefits, saving £14 million in public funds.
• Create 30 flexible jobs and empower 10+ women to lead new branches as franchise owners.
What We’ve Achieved in Just 8 Months:
• Secured an ACC grant and gained the endorsement of the Lord Provost, with support from councillors, politicians, and business leaders.
• Recognition on Third Sector platforms and coaching from the University of Oxford tutor.
• 7 successful events and countless member meetings.
Key Highlights:
• Built a core team of 60+ members through coordinated efforts and relationship-building.
• Organised impactful events, including domestic abuse awareness sessions, eco-feminist walks, and storytelling initiatives.
• Supported individual women through initiatives like “Phone-a-Friend,” school enrolment guidance for minority girl, and one-on-one mentoring and pro-bono legal help.
Overcoming Obstacles:
• Addressed challenges from cancelled events and limited support by persevering with innovative strategies.
• Turned conflicts with existing organisations into opportunities for collaboration.
Call to Action for Funders:
Why Partner with Us?
• Help women achieve financial independence and drive community transformation.
• Save public resources by reducing reliance on benefits.
• Support a project that combines tradition, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Ways to Help:
1. Sponsor: Fund a specific programme or project.
2. Collaborate: Partner with us to expand franchising or research projects.
3. Donate: Help us continue empowering women and fostering positive change.
Your support will help us build a brighter, inclusive, and more sustainable future. Let’s work together to make it happen!