Ethnic drive for success; CAMPAIGN: Push for more black women entrepeneurs.

Byline: By Will Oliphant

A MAJOR push has been launched to get more black women into business in Birmingham.

The campaign is being spearheaded by Coun Alan Rudge, the city council's cabinet member of equalities and human resources.

A recent event called Let's Talk Business, Soaring to Success, at Birmingham Council House, looked at increasing the number of women setting up successful businesses in the city.

It was one of a series of seminars being hosted by the National Black Women's Network which provide topical cuttingedge business information.

Coun Rudge said: "As a diverse city it is essential that we continue to create business and enterprise that harnesses the needs of each and every community in Birmingham.

"It is wonderful to hear some of the business ideas that some of the women of Birmingham have.

"Women make an invaluable contribution to our society and it's important that this is recognised.

I believe this initiative demonstrates my heartfelt belief that the empowerment of women is vital to the stability of the family and our communities.

"Whatever role women play in society it is dependent on them being able to make choices for themselves.

"Whether you are already in business or are just looking for options or advice, you all have a common interest and values that I am working to cement here in this city. As the lead on cohesion for the city I work for each and every community within Birmingham, whether that be women, men, older or younger people, or ethnic group.

For further information on the National Black Women's Network, contact Sonia Brown on 0207 544 1010 or e-mail [e-mail]