Who are we? 

Sandwell Women's Enterprise Development Agency (SWEDA) is a unique agency, which exists to encourage enterprise, provide business advice and training for women in Sandwell.

Our Objectives?

We aim to encourage women to develop to their full potential in a friendly and caring atmosphere. Although our focus is on supporting women we do not turn away any clients who happen to be male.

SWEDA is supported by:

Sandwell Metroplitan Borough Council

European Regional Development Fund

Sandwell Training and Enterprise Council

Single Regeneration Budget

SWEDA Can help you to Reach your goal with FREE: 

• Advice on starting a business
• Practical support in planning your business
• On-going support after the business has started
• Advice to existing businesses
• Assistance with access to funding
• Business workshops & seminars, Networking opportunity
• Business training, including NVQ Level 3, Owner Management
• We also encourage women to trade their skills, services and goods without needing to use cash currency. (Local Economic Trading System LETS)

For more information on how SWEDA can help you please contact them using the details below:

Contact Details 

SWEDA
The Business Centre - Church Street
West Bromwich
B70 8RP

Telephone: 0121 525 2558
Fax: 0121 580 0103
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Benefits                                                                                                                    

Who can benefit from out services?

• Anyone considering self-employment or starting their own business                                   
• Anyone who is currently in business                                                                                                
• Any small business wishing to expand or relocate their business
• Anyone considered a change of career
• The employed or unemployed

Business Resources Available to the Community

• Training and conference facilities
• Computer, Photocopying & Fax Services
• Career Advisory Service
• Support with dependent care
• Business Library
• Business Advice

Helping Businesses to Grow & Develop 

Are you a new or existing business owner?
Are you thinking of expanding your business?
Are you thinking about self employment?
Do you require business support?

If yes - we can help!

Under the European Regeneration Development Fund we can support businesses with the following FREE Confidential services:

• Business Advice & Counselling
• Assistance with Business Plans
• Financial Management
• Assistance with helping you to raise finance
• Business Training
• Distance Learning support
• Marketing Support

Why Do We Want To Help You?

At SWEDA we recognise that small businesses are vital to the economy of Sandwell. Each year 30% of all businesses in the UK are started by women. We aim to encourage women to develop their potential within a supportive environment.

How Can We Help You?

• A SWEDA adviser can visit you at your premises or at your home
• Provide assistance to help you identify your strengths and make the most of your opportunities
• Provide you with business information to help you make informed choices
• Arrange appropriate training to meet your business needs
• We can help you to broaden your networks in the business community
• We can also undertake a free business health check of your business

Whose Eligible?

• New and established businesses in Sandwell
• Women who are thinking of becoming self employed
• Women who are thinking of starting a business in Sandwell

How WE can Help YOU 

Women are doing it for themselves...Going back to work, getting that job and setting up in business...

Did you know?

• Women make up 52% of the world's population
• Women do 60% of the world's work
• Women receive less than 10 % of the world's salaries.

Is this you?

• Returning to work
• Unemployed
• Lacking in confidence
• Looking to raise your self esteem
• Becoming self-employed

SWEDA can help

Sandwell Women's Enterprise Development Agency (SWEDA) was established in 1989, as a not for profit limited company. SWEDA was set up to provide Business advice, training and support to disadvantaged women.

SWEDA is the only agency targeting women contemplating employment, self employment and those already in business. SWEDA's main target groups are women who are lone parents, on low incomes, women from minority ethnic communities, and those from socially excluded groups.

SWEDA's unique selling point is its approach to clients. This translates into a warm friendly environment with ongoing long term support. This assistance and support enables and empowers clients to start and manage their businesses and to access jobs, training and further education. The agency has been working withpartner organisation to improve the participation of women in the labour market, improve access to learning, employment and self-employment by targeting the most disadvantaged women.

The Agency's service provision tackles the barriers faced by many women when wishing to access jobs, training, education and self-employment by providing quality tailored support to meet the specific needs of the clients.

Over the last 15 years SWEDA has supported many women enabling them to reach their potential.

We provide help in the following areas:

Employment

• Recognising your key strengths and weaknesses
• Job Search
• CVs and Application forms
• I.T.
• Letter writing
• Interviews
• Keeping your job

Enterprise

• Self employment
• Social/Community Enterprises
• Help with business planning
• Accessing funding

Education

• Further education
• Training
• IT training

The service is free and confidential and childcare is available on request.

The Agency sees many people who simply want information or support towards achieving their personal goals and SWEDA is there to see them through their journey.

If you want a listening ear to explore your career options then we have a team of experienced and qualified staff on hand to support you to reach your goals.

Room hire, internet & money training

FREE INTERNET ACCESS

Computer training is now available with the latest Internet Access at SWEDA's newly refurbished Computer Learning Centre. If you want to update your C.V. or learn how to construct a letter using computers, then learn at your own pace in a friendly and caring environment.

MONEY! MONEY! MONEY!

Lets help you make it go further!

SWEDA invites you to come along and try out our Toolkit and discover how you can save money!
Lunch will be provided and childcare/dependent care is available on request. Travel costs will also be reimbursed and you will receive a gift voucher for participating.

ROOM & FACILITIES HIRE

SWEDA has 2 rooms available for hire with a choice of additional facilities:
Flip chart stand and pad, OHP, computer/laptop, TV/video, projecting screen, colour copier, laminating up to A3 size, binding, fax, refreshments and details of catering service.