Only 5% of working women in Scotland are self-employed, compared to 12% of men, and Scottish Enterprise is looking to change this imbalance through its new unit, which became operational from April and encompasses staff working on womenÂ’s enterprise within Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

It will include an independent advisory group combining expertise from business and academia, supporting the national unit in shaping strategic goals and will undertake an advocacy role.

Female entrepreneurship has already been boosted by several schemes that offer support to businesswomen and help them get over the initial stumbling blocks that occur when starting a new business.

One of these is Women Into the Network, a programme that organises local events on typical issues for start-ups, networking opportunities, group training, one-to-one counselling and mentoring.

Another source of help is Business Investment for Growth, a programme of customised training and support designed to introduce alternative sources of business growth funding to new and existing businesses.

For more details about help for female entrepreneurs in Scotland, visit www.scottishbusinesswomen.com.