LONDON, November 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

"The Enterprise Development Programme is at the heart of our vision for a world where women have equal opportunities and the capability, confidence and capital necessary to establish and grow businesses, resulting in a brighter future for the women themselves, their families and their communities as a whole." - Cherie Blair

"I was a total novice who just came up with an idea. It was the programme that encouraged me to pursue it and guided me through the entire process. It has been the driving force behind my start-up." - Aswin Yogesh, Chennai, India

• Over  700 women have already benefited from tailored business training, business registration and access to capital and markets
• Programme to reach over 3,500 women entrepreneurs over the next three years
• Current projects based in Africa, Asia and the Middle East

The potential of women entrepreneurs remains largely untapped in developing and emerging markets, with many still lacking the skills, capital and access to markets they need to be successful micro, small and growing business owners. Women are three times more likely to operate in the informal economy due to legal and cultural constraints, which restricts the prospects for their businesses to grow. This wasted potential isn't only a missed opportunity for the women who are not able to achieve their dreams. It's a loss to their children, communities and economies as well.

The Enterprise Development Programme addresses these challenges by delivering tailored business training, facilitating business registration and enhancing access to capital and markets. Working in partnership with non-profit, private and public sector organisations, we develop sustainable solutions to the challenges women entrepreneurs face. We focus on women who have achieved some business success, but need support to move to the next level. Our tailored support equips women entrepreneurs with the tools to transition into small and growing businesses. As a result profits increase, jobs are created and confidence levels rise.

Our goal over the next three years is to extend our reach, transforming the lives of over 3,500 women entrepreneurs in developing and emerging markets. As these women become role models and re-invest back into their families and communities, thousands more will stand to gain.

Watch our short video introduction to the programme

About the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women provides women with the skills, technology, networks and access to finance that they need to become successful small and growing business owners, so that they can contribute to their economies and have a stronger voice in their societies.

http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org

@CherieBlairFndn

Contact: enquiries@cherieblairfoundation.org +44(0)207-724-3109