HIE Impact Women

What is it? 

HIE Impact Women is a supportive, practical development programme for women who run or lead small and medium sized businesses and income generating community organisations in the Highlands and Islands.

The programme, delivered by Skillfluence, is a blend of online learning, one-to-one mentoring and dedicated in-person residentials. It will support you to grow your confidence, skills and networks, while creating practical plans you can use straight away in your business.

By the end of the programme, you will gain:

• a clear personal development plan focused on your leadership and confidence;
• a realistic business change plan you can actively use moving forward;
• new connections with other women facing similar challenges;
• signposting to relevant organisations and bodies to help with further personal growth; and
• practical tools to support growth, resilience and decision making.

Who is eligible?

You can apply if you:

• are a woman in a senior leadership role within a small or medium sized enterprise or income generating community organisation; 
• are based in the Highlands and Islands; and
• your organisation has a minimum annual turnover of £25,000.

You’ll also need to be able to commit to:

• two in-person residential workshops in Inverness (two days with one overnight)
• at least five online webinars
• a minimum of four hours of one-to-one mentoring by video call or over the phone

If you’re not sure whether the programme is right for you, we’d encourage you to get in touch - we’re happy to provide further information and answer any questions you may have.

What's involved?

HIE Impact Women is a 16-week programme with both in-person and online sessions. It combines flexibility with depth, so you can engage meaningfully without it feeling overwhelming.

Online learning
You’ll take part in up to eight interactive webinars (with a commitment to attend at least five). Topics are designed to support both personal and business growth, including:

• sales and marketing
• leadership and team development
• confidence building and networking
• financial and accounting fundamentals
• fundraising and investor pitching
• digital innovation and productivity
• growth strategy and market development
• resilient leadership in uncertain times

One to one mentoring - you’ll be matched with an experienced mentor who will provide six hours of tailored support by video call or on the phone. Together, you’ll work through your goals, challenges and opportunities, and shape both your personal development plan and business change plan.

Residential workshops - there are two fully-funded in person residential workshops in Inverness:

• an opening residential focused on an opening in person 2-day residential session bringing the cohort together for introductions, collaborative group work, personalised webinar selection, and the start of our mentor matching process; and
• a final ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event where you’ll present your business change plan to a panel of industry experts and receive constructive feedback and encouragement.

What you’ll get out of it:

• space to think strategically about yourself and your business;
• increased confidence in decision making and leadership;
• practical skills you can apply immediately;
• honest, supportive feedback from peers and experts; and
• access to and membership of a unique network of strong women business leaders.

Programme schedule

What's the cost?

There is no cost to you to take part in HIE Impact Women. The programme is fully-funded. Programme participants may be eligible for support with essential expenses to help them participate in HIE Impact Women.
 
Taking part is subject to UK Subsidy Control rules. Full details of the type and value of support will be confirmed at the end of the programme.

How do I apply?

To apply, please complete our Expression of Interest form. Successful applicants at this first stage will be invited to complete an online application form at the next stage. 

Places are limited and applications will be assessed against the eligibility criteria. Where demand is high, priority may be given to applicants who:

• operate within HIE’s inclusive growth areas;
• are women under 35;
• are developing businesses aligned with HIE’s regional transformational opportunities;
• operate within digital and technology sectors; and/or
• are developing inclusive and democratic business models.

Application deadline: Tuesday 7 April 2026, midnight 

Decision notifications: All applicants will be informed of the outcome and offered feedback. 

Need to speak to us?

If you would like to talk to someone about your application, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk and we will get back to you.