I am looking to set up a *female-only* businesss. I'm looking to network etc. Any ideas?

[jennywatson23]

I am trying to open a female-only co-working cafe (all sexualities during the day) + community hub for same-sex attracted women (this would include support/legal for those looking to start a family).

I'm looking to pitch my idea to investors and network but given that it's a contentious issue, the usual hospitality investors don't want to touch it (I've been lucky and had a few from media attention). I'm also going to discuss it with the Free Speech Union to see if they have any tips.

Mumsnets - any ideas?

Thanks so much!
Jenny

Also, is this the right thread for this sort of thing?

I’m not derailing but as a bisexual woman I wonder how would I fit in to the community hub? Would I only be welcome when I’m in a relationship with a woman?

Have you got a robust justification setting out how it fits with the Equality Act (particularly the workplace part)? Because if there's any doubt about that, investors are likely to be deterred by the prospect of legal challenges

Why would the Free Speech Union be relevant? They seem to want Free Speech to want no consequences.

Do you mean is this the right board for this thread? Frankly, I reckon you'd be better off putting it in Feminism: Sex and Gender. Just my opinion.

I've often thought of starting up a salon type meeting place, but would do it on private property to hit the ground running, so to speak.

I like the cut of your jib, but the full idea might seem a bit niche for investors to get?

I think presenting it as a women’s co-working space would probably be best, then bringing in the services for same-sex attracted women on top, as it were.

You could always dry-run the idea by running some women’s networking events in a cafe or bar. That might generate leads for the business.

Your local area will probably be a crucial factor in determining the success of this idea!

You would be welcome! Sorry, i should have clarified!

It would be a private members club. We've looked into this aspect a fair bit. Yes, there are risks but we're willing to take them.

What do you mean? I'd ask the for their advice because of how contentious a female-only venue would be.

They’re not an independent body and IMO have too much of far right leaning.

Hi OP, I think if you move this to the Sex and Gender board you will get more support and concrete ideas.

great idea - I would be interested in a pm discussion.

I think it would depend on whether it was "women only" (xx traditional type women) or if it included "special" xy type women as well.

Only XX!

Do you want to have a cafe that only has women owners and/or workers or that only women allowed in the cafe?
Would there be like meetings and certain topics to talk about?
What’s the point of this cafe?

And what does lesbians starting a family have to do with a cafe?

I promise, I’m not being negative or mean, I’m just stupid.

For some reason I'm having a lot of trouble When I go to that board it doesn't show me the 'start thread' option. Do you know why this could be? Thank you!

Sorry for being overly vague - I don't want the mods to think I'm trying to money grab so keeping it vague... I'll add more info in my next post x

Instead of looking for investors, could you finance it via membership fees?

I'd recommend you get legal advice to make sure it's legitimate and proportionate to exclude trans women from your cafe. There are plenty of gender critical lawyers who can help.

so a women only workspace that's a private club?
my adult DDs and DIL sometimes work in cafes, but its on an ad hoc basis, do women who would like this want to formally join a club?- I guess in a big city there might be enough take up, but in a smaller town you might not get enough women wanting to commit

There are a few private members clubs like this; Allbright in Mayfair, Chief in Bloomsbury Square (and globally) - both are supportive female business networks and physical women-only spaces and both in London. Is this the sort of model you're thinking?