Scotland’s first female graduate network launches as fully structured organisation with support from Business Gateway
An Edinburgh University graduate has launched Scotland’s first female graduate and young professional network as a fully structured organisation after accessing support from Business Gateway.
Annabel Blackwood first launched Girl Grads as Girl Grads Run in September 2023, aiming to create a running community for female graduates and young professionals living in the capital.
Met with an extremely positive reception, and having secured over 15 run club volunteers, it rapidly evolved into a vibrant community. Thanks to this, Annabel decided to rebrand to Girl Grads in July 2024 to broaden the organisation’s mission: to connect and support women through wellness, social and community engagement.
Annabel has been operating Girl Grads as a passion project whilst training to be a solicitor. In September last year, Annabel made use of Business Gateway’s Planning To Start tool to see about the best structure for the community group.
She was then connected with a local business adviser, Lee Briggs, who provided support with mentoring, and how to develop a business plan for Girl Grads. Lee was also able to introduce Annabel to relevant partner organisations.
With support from Business Gateway, Annabel has now decided on a clear legal structure for Girl Grads. She has also identified opportunities for growth in 2025 thanks to careful planning of promotion and awareness events.
Annabel now plans to also support her Girl Grads community of over 2,000 women with professional, skills and advice-based events, tailored to graduates and young professionals. In 2024, she collaborated with brands such as ASICS and Graham’s The Family Dairy to promote Girl Grads’ activities and is now looking forward to continuing collaborating with brands and businesses who support her mission.
Annabel Blackwood, founder and owner, Girl Grads, said: “After graduating from Edinburgh University in 2023, I found that I missed the social network that being a student provided. I decided to set up a social, pace-inclusive run club to meet like-minded people and to have a group of friends to run with on dark evenings.
“I really couldn’t have imagined what Girl Grads has evolved into since we first launched. I’ve loved building a female community in Edinburgh and helping each other to navigate life in our 20s.
“I’d like to thank Business Gateway for their fantastic support over the last few months. It’s been so rewarding to work with Lee, who really understood my vision for Girl Grads. I can’t wait for what’s to come this year.”
Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “It’s great to work with someone like Annabel who is so passionate about making a difference and supporting women in the community.
“Girl Grads has proved to be extremely popular and I’ve no doubt it will continue to grow in the months ahead.”
To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.com.