In its maiden year, Scotland’s first women’s business incubator run by a local authority has attracted more than 360 female members – with demand remaining strong into 2025.
Twenty-six new female led businesses have emerged with support from The HIVE in Airdrie, with another 13 identified in its start-up pipeline.
The new start businesses operate in a range of sectors including financial services, technology, education, childminding, beauty, health and wellbeing and creative services.
As well as desks, offices, meeting rooms, beauty and well-being treatment rooms available to book, women using The HIVE have access to free one-to-one coaching and mentoring, advice on how to access funding, one-to-one Business Gateway advice and monthly learning and networking events.
A total of 4988 hours of workspace has so far been booked and used by local women seeking to establish and grow their businesses ventures in North Lanarkshire.
Liz, of Change for Good Therapies, said: “The HIVE was a game changer for me.
“It’s an inspiring community of businesswomen, with free training, networking and business support.”
Open seven days a week, from 8am until 9pm, at One Wellwynd, the workspace is designed for flexible use, recognising that many women balance entrepreneurial ambition with caring commitments.
It also aims to help with confidence and motivation, setting goals, overcoming barriers and keeping business ideas and ambitions on track to become a reality.
With only 2.7 per cent of working-age women in North Lanarkshire self-employed, The HIVE is a key part of North Lanarkshire Council’s strategy to increase business start-ups and boost economic performance.
“Since it opened in February 2024, more than 270 women have attended 37 events held at The HIVE with many going on to access the facility’s wider services,” said Councillor Alex McVey, convener of the enterprise and fair work committee.
“As well as high quality accommodation, The HIVE offers practical help to enable women to transform their business ideas into income, with free training and advice and access to crucial start-up funding.
“The first year of operations shows clearly the level of ambition among women in North Lanarkshire to set up their own businesses and provide new services in their communities.”
Mairianne, founder of Plug-In Finance, said: “It has been a transformative resource for me.
“The expert guidance has helped me refine my skills, equipping me with the confidence and knowledge to tackle challenges effectively.”
Women using The HIVE have access to support through Business Gateway Lanarkshire, including expert advice on topics including finance, marketing.
In the last year, 11 women have accessed business start-up grants from the council through HIVE support.
The HIVE provided accommodation free for the first six months, and now operates on a subsidised basis.
All wraparound business support and 121 coaching and mentoring remains free.
Kat Harrison, who uses The HIVE, said: “I recently attended a one-to-one through The Hive with a Business Gateway rep who provided me with invaluable information.
“I gained clarity on my next steps and learned a lot about my obligations and responsibilities in setting up a business in a way that wasn’t overwhelming.
“The space itself is really lovely, with options for desk space and meeting rooms you can hire.
“It’s a great environment to knuckle down and get some work done whilst being in the company of fellow female entrepreneurs – a really supportive space.”
For more information, and to join The HIVE’s network, visit here or follow on Facebook at The HIVE.
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