“I have always had the same continuous dream of running my own business and becoming a successful woman entrepreneur – it may sound like a cliché but believe it or not I am actually now living that dream.

To be honest reality still hasn’t hit home, I think that’s because I am still working full time whilst running my business, but the way things are taking off; the not too distant future could see me as a full time independent business woman – blimey – I can’t wait!

I know that there are lots of barriers stopping women entering self employment, but the first one I hit was that I had no business idea, I mean, how ridiculous is that? Such a pathetic start. For the last 21 years I have been in nursing and have had a very successful career as a Registered Mental Nurse – I’ve done it, I’ve got there - there’s nowhere else to go. Although I was passionate at the prospect of seeking new horizons, I was adamant that I did not want to run my own nursing home or agency.

Desperately trying to search for a business idea lead me to try to search for a business partner and take it from that angle, but again I hit a dead end. Whilst lying on a beach, relaxing on holiday, it came to me – business partnering service – huge gap in the market - BINGO! The more I thought about it the more it made sense. I did some basic research and observed that not only did people require a service for pairing business partners but this could aid venture capitalists and franchisers are always looking for franchisees.

Ok, time for the next step which lead nicely onto the second barrier; I had no business skills what so ever. I realised I needed professional help (of the business kind) and in April 2003 I turned to WBDA. All the staff there assisted me in turning my business idea into reality and I honestly do not think it would have happened as smoothly, quickly or at all without their help.

Whilst seeking business advice my lack of confidence was a continuous factor in restricting the progress of my business so it was suggested that I attend a Women’s Empowerment Programme which was basically a 4 day course homing in on issues such as low self esteem, confidence, and the numerous business elements required to create a business plan. This training programme in conjunction with the superb support from my business advisor at WBDA soon turned me around and I actually started to think like a business women, not a Nurse trying to be one!

Find Your Ideal Business Partner. Com was launched in August 2003 and in a nutshell it is a business partner matchmaking service and perhaps runs along similar themes of someone looking for online romance, it is now perfectly acceptable to find love online, so why not search for your ideal business partner?

My website publishes details of entrepreneurs who are actively seeking and offering business partnerships and opportunities. My members range from entrepreneurs working from home to business people with many years of experience looking to invest funds in new ventures.

Since launching Find Your Ideal Business Partner I have attracted members not only from the UK but from the US, Europe and even Australia, in fact, we seem to be taking the business world by storm. The Coventry Evening Telegraph referred to my service as “revolutionary and innovative” I suppose it is, who would have thought I could produce such an idea lying on a beach? It just goes to show that everybody has it in them – it may just take a while to find it.

I have no regrets about taking the plunge and going into business. It has to be one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences I have ever done, thanks to WBDA.”

Marcia Blackstock