A new scheme to assist women from ethnic minorities into business has been shortlisted for backing by a major commercial bank.


The Successful Women programme, delivered through Harrow Mencap and its trading arm, Enterprise Wellness made it to the first round for funding from NatWest bank on April 6. 


Members of the public can vote for a project to receive the funding by visiting the Natwest Skills & Opportunities webpage. The winning project stands to receive £35,000. 


If they win, the Successful Women programme will support women in North West London from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups who want to start their own business. 


The project is aimed at women between the ages of 18 and 30 and will guide 90 women in an eight-week training programme to develop skills in enterprise through workshops and mentoring.


Deputy chief operating officer at Enterprise Wellness, Alison Davies, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for Natwest’s Skills & Opportunities Fund, and we are encouraging the public to vote for our Successful Women programme. 


“Our programme will help women in North West London from BAME communities to develop confidence, overcome barriers and develop the skills needed to run a successful small business.”


To cast your vote, visit http://skillsandopportunitiesfund.natwest.com/vote/ 
Voting is open until April 20.