Backing Underrepresented Entrepreneurs
Let’s Do Business Group reflects on the success of the female-led entrepreneur programme – Her Biz
At Let’s Do Business Group, we're passionate about supporting women to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Through our women’s start-up programme, Her Biz, we have had the privilege of working with women from all walks of life across Sussex and Kent, helping them turn business ideas and hobbies into reality, and building confidence to take those all-important first steps.
Designed to specifically encourage more women to start a business, the Her Biz programme is delivered both virtually and in-person, covering everything from the basics of starting a business, understanding finances and funding options, to building an online presence through marketing. The programme gives participants a space to develop key business skills and gain expert guidance in a welcoming environment.
Since its launch, we have delivered over 30 rounds of the programme, supporting hundreds of women across the two counties to start, grow and strengthen their businesses. We’re incredibly proud of the impact they continue to make, and ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the women who have been part of that journey.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we’re inviting businesses to join us for a free in-person start-up business workshop and networking lunch event in Hastings this March, in collaboration with Let’s Do Marketing and Freedom Works.
Adaptive Motorhome Hire – Driving Inclusive Travel Forward
Maxine Moore is on a mission to revolutionise how people with disabilities travel. Her business, Adaptive Motorhome Hire, gives people the opportunity to rent wheelchair accessible motorhomes for inclusive, independent adventures, breaking down the barriers and stereotypes around disability in the travel industry.
Maxine joined the Her Biz programme in March 2024, seeking clarity on the practicalities of starting her own business and how to turn her idea into a reality. Having completed the programme, Maxine went on to submit her business plan to the optional competition, which was open to all participants at the time, and won £500 towards her start-up costs.
“My confidence and self-development have excelled during the Her Biz programme. The information shared gave me invaluable tools to start my business. The community of female entrepreneurs gave me support and encouragement, which inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and turn my passion into a business. I am very grateful for the opportunity and would like to thank Lisa and everyone involved.”
— Maxine Moore, Adaptive Motorhome Hire
Following her participation in the Her Biz programme, Maxine planned to attend festivals and events, including ‘Van-Life Festival’, to further promote the business and build awareness.
My Tiny Town – Creating Space for Imagination and Family Connection
Tucked away on Kings Road in St Leonards-on-Sea, My Tiny Town is a play café with a simple but wonderful idea at its heart: giving children a space to use their imagination and parents and carers a chance to sit down and enjoy a hot drink while they do.
The concept brings together role-play, crafts and community under one roof. Daily play sessions give little ones 90-minutes of free-range fun in the play area, while grown-ups can relax and socialise in the open-plan café. Throughout the year, My Tiny Town, set up by Nihal Haddi, brings a little extra magic through seasonal events, for example, a Christmas party complete with cookie decorating, hot chocolate making and a visit from the Christmas Elf during the Festive Season. It’s a true community hub that puts both children and their grown-ups first, and one which we’re excited to see continue to grow!
NK Calligraphy – Turning Passion into Purpose
For Natalie Kent, what began as a hobby quickly became much more. NK Calligraphy specialises in bespoke wedding and event stationery, as well as creative workshops, all while keeping sustainability at the heart of her work.
Natalie’s Her Biz journey helped her transform her passion into a solid business plan, which won her £500 towards her launch costs. The programme's guidance on branding, target audiences and marketing strategy gave her confidence to step away from her previous career and pursue entrepreneurship full-time.
“Lisa’s knowledge in the business fundamentals was phenomenal; she was approachable and always willing to explain more complex topics, so we all had a thorough understanding. I am so pleased there are female-led and female-focused business courses like Her Biz out there and would encourage any other female entrepreneurs to join!”
— Natalie Kent, NK Calligraphy
Since completing the Her Biz programme, Natalie planned to continue developing her portfolio of products and workshops, and build a client base, with her long-term business goals looking to diversify what her business offers in the future.
NourishMe Wellness Box – Spreading Wellbeing, One Box at a Time
What started as a heartfelt gesture during a difficult time soon blossomed into something truly special. NourishMe Wellness Box was born out of founder Holly’s desire to make people feel good – beginning with handmade self-care parcels for friends and family during the early days of the pandemic, as a way of staying connected when the world felt anything but.
Now a fully-fledged wellness business, Nourish Me Wellness offers thoughtfully curated gift boxes, craft workshops and retreats, all designed to help people carve out a little time for themselves, to follow their dreams and feel genuinely nourished. From bracelet-making workshops and vision board sessions to Pilates and lattes mini retreats, Holly has created a warm and welcoming community where people can slow down and connect with like-minded souls.
With a mission to help as many people as possible feel amazing, NourishMe Wellness Box is a shining example of what can happen when a passion project is given the space and support to grow into something real.
Zerenity Creates – Crafting Digital Experiences with Heart
After more than eight years of honing her skills in web design and development, Tracey Vince took the plunge and launched Zerenity Creates, delivering responsive, bespoke WordPress websites and digital solutions for small businesses and agencies.
Tracey joined Her Biz in October 2024 to gain clarity on business fundamentals and refine her strategy, and her participation culminated in winning the £500 business plan competition. She has since channelled that boost into finalising her service packages, as well as building her client portfolio and planning a more strategic social presence.
“The biggest highlight of the course was Lisa, who delivered the sessions; she would adapt the scenario to our individual businesses to help us to understand fully. Lisa has been so supportive throughout and after the course the 1:1 session with Lisa afterwards is highly recommended to have that time to talk through any concerns/questions, and she has always been at the end of an email. I can’t thank Lisa and Her Biz enough for running a female-focused business course and highly recommend it to other females.”
— Tracey Vince, Zerenity Creates
Heyam’s Kitchen – Bringing the Heart of Middle Eastern Cooking to Your Table
Food has always been about more than just eating, and for Heyam, it’s about sharing culture and bringing people together around the table. Heyam’s Kitchen is bringing the warmth and richness of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine to events, celebrations, and doorsteps across the local area, offering a truly special alternative to the everyday – from beautifully prepared sharing dishes and traditional sweet treats, in addition to full event and wedding catering delivered with care and a whole lot of love.
The menu is a journey in itself, spanning classics like falafel, tabbouleh and kibbeh through to indulgent celebration bakes such as baklava, maamoul and basbousa, all made from scratch with the kind of detail and flavour that keeps customers coming back. Whether it’s a special event like a birthday/wedding or a gathering of friends, Heyam’s Kitchen takes the stress out of catering and replaces it with something far more delicious.
More Than a Programme: The Community Behind Her Biz
Over the years, Her Biz has become much more than just a business workshop series; it’s a thriving, supportive community where confidence is built, and businesses come to fruition. With participants from varied backgrounds and industries, the programme continues to prove that when barriers to entrepreneurship are reduced, diverse founders flourish.
“I love delivering the Her Biz programme and helping the women who take part gain the knowledge and confidence that they have a good, viable business idea that they will hopefully take forward and successfully launch. It is always pleasing to hear when someone has started trading. What I really love about Her Biz is that we have built a community of women who are always supporting each other and celebrating successes.”
Whether it’s refining a business plan, developing a go-to-market strategy, or uncovering hidden strengths, the Her Biz programme has helped hundreds of women across East Sussex and Kent to take that leap, and we can’t wait to see what the next cohort of women will go on to achieve.
If you would like to join the next cohort of the Her Biz women’s start-up programme, subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear when it is announced!