WEvolution to close in January 2026: A movement that will carry on
PRESS RELEASE
After 15 years of pioneering a community-led model across Scotland and beyond, WEvolution will formally close in January 2026.
This isn't the outcome we hoped for. But in the spirit of transparency and gratitude, we want to share why this decision has been made—and what we believe could emerge next.
1. The reality: the funding landscape has fundamentally shifted.
We've been privileged to have the support of visionary funders who believed in women-led, community-driven change. Their investment enabled us to develop grassroots female entrepreneurship, leadership, and mutual aid through our Small, Powerful Groups (SPGs) model.
However, over the last two years, the funding landscape has changed dramatically. Funding and political priorities have shifted away from investing into female entrepreneurship at the edges, especially when led by underserved women. Despite exhaustive efforts—including new funding applications, conversations with potential supporters, and exploring various partnerships—continuing the organisation is now sadly no longer viable.
2. A legacy of transformation we're proud of.
WEvolution was never just a charity. It was the platform for a movement—a simple, scalable approach that women made their own. A model that supported women to take control of their futures, building confidence and capability alongside each other.
Together with our remarkable community, we've:
Catalysed the creation of over 350 Small, Powerful Groups involving more than 1,500 women
Supported 500 women to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and launch microbusinesses
Facilitated over £30,000 in community-managed small loans
Trained 130 organisations in adapting the SPG model in their own contexts
Delivered £26 million in social and economic value, achieving a social return of £11.66 for every £1 invested
“WEvolution came along just at the point where I thought I had been confined to the scrap heap, simply for being middle aged. But here was this movement made up of all sorts of people who wanted to encourage, create, experiment and share ideas, and who didn’t think that age, background or gender should be a barrier to that.”
This work has proven resilient—surviving through COVID-19, economic uncertainty, and shifting political priorities. And its impact continues, visible in the lives, businesses, and communities of the women who've been part of this journey.
3. What now? An open door, not a closed chapter.
Between now and 31 January 2026, we will focus on:
Documenting and openly sharing our methodology and learning
Celebrating the community's stories, achievements and milestones
Handing over control of our online community to a dedicated team of group members
While WEvolution as an organisation is closing, the movement doesn't end here.
We are not placing the responsibility of continuing on any single group or person. Rather, we are creating space—for the community, for partners, and for new collaborators to step forward if they choose to. We don't yet know what form the next chapter will take—but we believe strongly that this movement will continue, in new hands and new configurations.
If our work has inspired or intersected with yours, we invite you to connect with us during this transition period. We'd welcome conversations about how our learning might support your work, or how you might continue to walk alongside the women who shaped this movement.
WEvolution has always been about people, not an institution. The torch is not being dropped. It's being offered—to many hands, to light many paths forward.
Sarah Davidson, Chair and Noel Mathias, MD
