Women entrepreneurs in east Cheshire can benefit from a £90,000 windfall to support a series of free masterclasses around the power of fibre optic broadband.

The funding has been awarded to the Connecting Cheshire Partnership and Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub by the government’s equalities office and will underpin a second phase of a project to help businesswomen take advantage of digital technology.

More than 300 female-led businesses benefited in phase one of the scheme and the second phase will see Connecting Cheshire partner the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub to deliver an inspirational programme known as ‘#Eveolution’ which will offer help to more than 500 businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Women’s Business Council predicts greater participation by women could bring about an increase in economic growth of 0.5 per cent, leading to 10 per cent by 2030.

Caroline Simpson, Cheshire East Council’s executive director of economic growth and prosperity, said: “It is really important that women entrepreneurs take advantage of this initiative.

“There are many extremely talented women in the borough who want a helping hand with technology, knowing that it would make a significant impact on the success of their business.

“The #Eveolution’ programme provides an opportunity for women-led businesses and potential female entrepreneurs to take advantage of faster broadband to expand or set up new businesses, including home-based enterprises.”

For more details on the programme go to www.eveolution.org.uk