26 June 2025 - 5 min read
As of October 2024, there are a reported 16.37 million women in employment in the UK, which was 195,000 more than the year before.
This is a not-so-subtle nod that the workforce is undeniably changing, and the number of women in leadership roles is steadily increasing too!
While the momentum is exciting, navigating the world of business as a woman still comes with its own unique challenges, and that’s where having the right resources makes all the difference.
From funding support and mentorship to networks and upskilling, we’ve rounded up 6 essential resources to empower, connect, and elevate women in business.
Whether you're leading a team, building a startup, climbing the career ladder or re-entering the workplace, there’s something here for you.
Women continue to face unique challenges in the workplace, from persistent gender pay gaps and underrepresentation in leadership roles to barriers in accessing funding and navigating work-life balance.
These issues are deeply embedded in the modern professional landscape and are highlighted in this report through a range of resources designed specifically to meet women’s evolving needs.
Women-specific courses and support systems are crucial because they not only address the disparities women face but also create safe, empowering spaces for growth, skill-building, and connection.
From women-focused business networks and financial advisory services to online learning platforms, wellness tools, and inspiring content led by female founders, these tailored offerings give women the tools, community, and confidence to thrive.
Industry events created for and by women further celebrate visibility and opportunity, ensuring professional development is not only accessible but also relevant and inclusive.
Categorised for your convenience, read below for a comprehensive look at today’s can’t-miss resources for women at work!
For women looking for mentorship, peer support, leadership advice and networking opportunities.
Describing themselves as “your very own PR Hype Machine”, Dreamers and Doers focuses on empowering ambitious women, through a platform where they can access resources, mentorship, and a network of like-minded individuals.
Built on the ethos of community, Dreamers and Doers pride themselves on being a positive, encouraging group of women with similar values and career ambitions. They aim to uplift their members, providing them with opportunities that might otherwise could be difficult to secure.
This includes access to:
The Association of Scottish Businesswoman (ABS)
A volunteer-powered community of entrepreneurs, professionals, and local networking groups, The Association of Scottish Businesswoman want to inspire, connect, and empower women-led businesses across Scotland. With a directory packed full of female business owners, members can built lasting professional relationships, network and join affiliate groups.
With news and events at your fingertips, for attendees and participants, ABS aim to support women in boosting their online profiles to promote their business.
Founded by Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In is rooted in the belief that women deserve the same opportunities to grow into confident, resilient leaders as men.
Lean In promotes small peer groups of 8 to12 women to connect and support one another, share experiences, and grow together – both personally and professionally.
Part leadership workshop, part support network, members choose topics that matter to them – from navigating new management roles to balancing work and family life – and leave each session with a practical action to move them closer to their goals.
Lean In is also an excellent resource for companies looking to foster mentorship and leadership among their female employees!
The Female Lead is a powerful platform that amplifies women’s voices through a blend of storytelling and science.
By sharing honest conversations, real-life journeys, and thought-provoking interviews, it encourages women to embrace their authentic selves and believe in the power of their potential. With a strong focus on representation, research, and community, The Female Lead is built to inspire and inform.
Their three-part approach helps women:
A standout feature is their Fulfilment Finder, a short, insightful quiz designed to help women explore what truly drives them. It also helps The Female Lead continue learning about the challenges women face and how to better support them.
Whether you're looking for motivation, guidance, or just a reminder that you're not alone, The Female Lead is a go-to resource for women who want to grow, lead, and thrive.
Novi is a 100% female-owned and led organisation, built as a global community for women who are passionate about driving change. Collaborating with forward-thinking leaders and businesses, Novi works to close the gender gap and champion equality in the workplace.
As a member, women gain access to a vibrant, supportive network of accomplished peers, connecting both online and in person through thoughtfully curated events. From lively networking sessions to deep-dive conversations.
Novi also offers tailored coaching and strategic advisory services, empowering women to grow both professionally and personally. Members can engage in expert-led masterclasses and join ‘Fireside Chats’, an inspiring series of Q&As with successful business leaders.
British Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAWE)
Founded in 1995 by Marilyn Orcharton, BAWE Scotland is a distinguished network for women entrepreneurs. It offers exclusive membership to established business owners, corporate board members, and high-potential start-ups.
Members benefit from curated networking events, expert-led dinners, and access to the global FCEM community spanning 120 countries.
With a strong focus on peer support, mentoring, and strategic growth, BAWE Scotland empowers women through connection, collaboration, and international opportunity.
Allbright is a global community and platform built to support and celebrate women at every stage of their careers.
Through inspiring spaces, expert-led courses, and vibrant networking events, Allbright helps women connect, learn, and grow.
Whether online or in beautiful venues like London’s Old Sessions House, members gain access to tools, mentorship, and opportunities that fuel personal and professional success.
Aside from these resources, you can also utilise the following for different mentorship opportunities:
For women looking for funding or support to develop their professional careers.
For the women who are trying to get back into business, Smart Works’ mission is to help unemployed women on their transition back into work.
However, Smart Works is available to women, aged 16 and above, no matter of their employment status. Whether you’re returning to work after a significant period, looking for support on how to nail your interview, or on a zero hour contract looking for more, there’s something here for you.
Plus, with 12 in-person centers across 8 cities in the UK, and a virtual service available, Smart Works aims to be as accessible as possible. They even offer people the option to donate funds or clothes through their website to support their initiative in empowering women at work!
Run by the voluntary collective, ‘Council for Investing in Female Entrepreneurs’, the Invest in Women Hub was set up in 2019 by Alison Rose, CEO of NatWest Group.
One of Alison’s main drivers was improving access to finance for female business owners. Her goal was backed by research showing a significant gap in women’s ability to secure the funding they need to grow and succeed.
From ideas to execution, the Invest in Women Hub supports women in business with their lexicon of financial providers, catered to women based on their location and financial status to find a match that best suits them and their career goals.
The Invest in Women Hub also partner with Digital Boost, a mentoring and business support service, which allows users to connect with mentors for free across sectors like strategy, finance, marketing or design.
Since 1998, Hopscotch Women’s Centre has been working to increase societal inclusion, diversity and equity for women. Committed to supporting women back into employment, no matter their circumstances, they offer a range of services like:
The centre pride themselves on their outreach and accessibility and strive to connect and support as many individuals as possible. With a culturally diverse and bi-lingual team, they’ve built a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all and any women.
For women looking to upskill in leadership, finance, negotiation or digital marketing.
Dedicated to levelling the playing field between our male counterparts, the Women’s Organisation want all women to feel inspired and that personal, social and economic goals are achievable, specifically through training that encourages personal and professional development.
The Women’s Organisation is also particularly keen on elevating women who come from diverse communities, working hard to promote social inclusion, change sociological perceptions, and guide prejudice policies across industries.
Some of the standout training programs and resources they offer, include:
There’s also an abundance of research and information on women at work, as well as a wellbeing & community service on their website – so we urge you to check it out!
With a variety of courses available across data science, life sciences, language learning, arts and humanities, health and more, Coursera also provide courses specifically for women in leadership:
LinkedIn Learning
If you're aiming to grow your career with purpose and confidence, LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of courses designed to support women on their professional journeys.
From building confidence to stepping into leadership roles, these bite-sized lessons tackle real-world challenges and open doors to new opportunities, all tailored to the unique experiences women face at work. Check out:
Apps and services for managing mental health, productivity, and self-care.
Some popular and well-loved apps include:
Find inspiration, relatable stories, and real-world advice in a click.
Some podcasts we recommend tuning into include:
Stay visible, informed and connected with leaders across the UK and the world.
Despite progress, women are still at a disadvantage in the workplace., From the gender pay gap to unequal access to promotions and support, this is, unfortunately, just a fact.
In the UK, research shows that, in some cases, men believe that pay equity has actually been solved, and at that the workplace is a level playing field. However, with women still earning roughly 7% less than their male counterparts, this is simply untrue.
In fact, men are still favoured over women when it comes to workplace promotions and benefits – which means in terms of progress, there’s more to make. That’s why raising awareness of practical, empowering resources for women is so important.
Whether you're running your own business or building your career, we hope this article helps you discover the tools, communities, and support networks that can make a real difference.
And don’t forget to share it with the women in your life who could benefit too!
Give your career the glow-up it deserves with a 100% online leadership qualification.
Get more information on CIPD courses
Share this post
16 February 2023 - 5 min read
28 February 2023 - 5 min read
04 March 2024 - 2 min read
Career Hub