Building the access ambition deserves.
Stand Up Sis CIC exists to support women in building stronger businesses, careers, confidence, networks and economic independence.
Our mission
To close the gap between ambition and access — giving women the practical tools, honest guidance and genuine connections to build stronger businesses, careers and networks, on their own terms.
Our vision
A strong, connected community of ambitious women who can access practical support, opportunities, mentorship, education and each other — wherever they're starting from.
Why Stand Up Sis exists
Too many capable women hit the same barriers on the way to building a business or a career: to funding, to the right introductions, to affordable space, to straight advice from someone who's actually done it. None of that reflects ability. It reflects access.
Stand Up Sis was founded to build that access directly — starting with community, before we have a permanent physical home, and growing into practical programmes as they're ready.
Our approach
Our model is still developing, deliberately. Rather than launch with a fixed programme, we're building Stand Up Sis around what the community actually needs — starting with mentorship, workshops and networking, and expanding into funding support, pitch preparation and eventually workspace access through partnerships.
We work in partnership with councils, funders, corporates and other organisations supporting women and entrepreneurs, rather than trying to do everything alone.
Our legal status
Stand Up Sis is structured as a Community Interest Company (CIC) — a legal form for UK social enterprises that locks our activities and any surplus to our community purpose, rather than private profit.
Stand Up Sis operates independently from The Small Studios, a separate commercial venture. The two remain distinct organisations, with their own identity, community and data.
Our values
Ambition, not charity
We back capability. Stand Up Sis is infrastructure for women who are already building — not a rescue mission.
Access is infrastructure
Networks, knowledge and funding routes should be built and shared, not gatekept. That's the gap we exist to close.
Community first
Growth happens faster surrounded by people who understand exactly what you're building.
Credible and warm
Taken seriously by funders, councils and corporate partners — genuinely useful to the women we serve. Both, not one or the other.
Founders & team
The people behind Stand Up Sis.
Team profiles are coming soon
We're introducing the people behind Stand Up Sis here shortly. In the meantime, get in touch if you'd like to know more about who's building this.