Asian Women MEAN Business

Pioneering research into Asian women and business has revealed that:

·      74% of Asian women feel that Asian culture is holding them back from starting a business
·      88% felt that there were not enough role models for Asian women in business
·      51% have experienced discrimination based on their sex
·      44% have experienced discrimination based on their race

These are the findings of research carried out by our organization Asian Women MEAN Business –AWMB-   this year. 211 Asian women completed an online anonymous survey, focus groups were held in Midlands and London to really understand the challenges and barriers facing Asian women in business – either those considering starting a business, planning one or indeed running one!

The research is the first in depth look into this community.  The founders Rupinder Kaur & Panna Chauhan, who collectively have 25 years business experience, commissioned the research because as Panna says ‘although we know the Asian community is entrepreneurial and has experienced great success, with British Asian businesses contributing between 6-10% of UK’s GDP despite only making up 4% of  population. The Global Enterprise Monitor, 2005 showed that Black women are four times more likely  than Asian women to start and grow  their businesses. We wanted to find out why that was the case and commissioned the ground breaking, pioneering research into the attitudes, motivations and thoughts of Asian women in business . We wanted to understand why the gap between black women engaging in entrepreneurial activity was significantly higher than Asian women.’

Rupinder explains ‘Asian women are telling us they want to start  and grow their businesses but they need help. Our culture is holding them back as is a lack of awareness of the support available to them.  They want more information and opportunities to network with other like minded women. AWMB provides all of this. All our services are a direct response to what this community are telling us they want and need. Our aim is to provide a unique environment where women can experience empathy and understanding to share their business journeys and entrepreneurial dreams. We are finding that our women are connected by their cultural beliefs, their outlook but most importantly their desire to achieve success in the business environment whilst remaining true to their family, their culture and their faith.’

To kick start our community into action, we will be launching our online programmes – Inspire, Ignite and Immerse tailored to women who are at the different stages of their business journey. If you are contemplating starting a business, are newly established or are serious about taking your well established business to the next level these programmes are built for you.

We are also have exciting business opportunities for women to join the AWMB team under regional licences. Please contact us if you are passionate and committed to our values and aim. You are a personable, a natural networker and good at organising and hosting events. The first five regions we have available are 1. West Midlands 2. East Midlands 3. South East 4. North West 5. Yorkshire & Humberside.