Prowess Awards 2008: Top social enterprise award for ‘Women Like Us’ Founder
Karen Mattison, Director of ‘Women Like Us’ has won the Female Social Entrepreneur of the Year category, sponsored by the Office of the Third Sector, in the Prowess Business Awards 2008. The awards celebrate the individuals and organisations that support the growth of female entrepreneurship.
Prowess, one of the Office of the Third Sector's strategic partners, is a network of organisations and individuals who support the growth of women's business ownership. Their work encompasses raising awareness, sharing of best practice, advocacy and information.
The Prowess awards, now in their 4th year, celebrate all those who contribute to the growth of women’s enterprise throughout the UK, including: the inspirational business women who support and motivate others, the business support advisers and mentors who provide exemplary advice and encouragement; and the researchers and journalists who support the sector through compelling and progressive ideas.
Social Enterprise is being recongised as an increasingly attractive option for women interested in starting their own businesses. This year the OTS has sponsored a “female social entrepreneur of the year award” to recongise the significant and distinct contribution female social entrepreneurs make to the social enterprise sector and to entrepreneurialsm in the UK.
Karen Mattison’s company, ‘Women Like Us’, is a social enterprise that helps women with children find flexible and part-time work.
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
“I congratulate Karen Mattison and all the finalists on their achievements and making such important contributions to the growth of social enterprise throughout the UK. I hope their example inspires other women who have a business idea to get out there and make a difference. As a strategic partner of the Office of the Third Sector, Prowess plays an important role in supporting the growth of women's business ownership and providing a platform for female social entrepreneurs."
Erika Watson, Prowess, Executive Director said:
“We received over 300 nominations, many of which were of an exceptionally high standard. Karen is at the very top of her game and is to be strongly congratulated for her achievement."
Further details of the awards and of Prowess’ work can be found on the Prowess website.
