Female entrepreneurs with ambitious growth plans are being encouraged to explore the Fortuna Fellowship, a 12-month accelerator programme designed to help women-led businesses scale and secure investment.

Delivered by The 51% Club in partnership with venture capital firm Future Planet Capital Regional, the programme offers five selected founders access to expert mentoring, specialist workshops, investor support and the opportunity to secure a share of a £2 million investment fund. Future Planet Capital Regional has already committed £1 million towards the investment pot through its involvement in the initiative.

The Fellowship is aimed at high-potential female founders who are looking to take their businesses to the next stage of growth. Over the course of a year, participants are paired with experienced mentors, gain access to weekly office hours with investment specialists, attend workshops led by industry experts and take part in collaborative co-working sessions and an innovation residential.

In addition, founders benefit from guidance provided by a central advisory board, covering key growth areas such as product development, manufacturing, go-to-market strategy, exporting and investment readiness.

The programme has already launched its inaugural cohort, supporting businesses spanning legal services, health and wellbeing, home services, agriculture and technology.

Melissa Snover, founder of Rem3dy Health and a Fortuna Fellowship judge, highlighted the importance of providing female founders with both investment and practical support.

She said:“These founders have the potential to build something truly special. But potential alone isn’t enough. They need real-world advice, strategic connections, unwavering support, and investors ready to back them. That’s what the Fortuna Fellowship offers.”

Women-led businesses remain significantly underrepresented in venture capital funding, making initiatives such as the Fortuna Fellowship an important route for founders seeking investment, networks and expertise to accelerate growth.

Female founders across Swindon and Wiltshire who are planning their next stage of business growth are encouraged to find out more about the opportunity and future application rounds.

Find out more HERE.