InterTradeIreland, alongside Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is making a bold move to bolster women’s entrepreneurship with the launch of eight new programmes. These initiatives are part of a wider effort to support and scale women-led businesses across Ireland. With €800 million allocated for Shared Island priorities, including €30 million for a new Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, the spotlight is on empowering female entrepreneurs.
What Are the New Programmes?
The eight programmes introduced are designed to meet various needs of women entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your business, there’s a programme tailored for you. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer:
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The Grow It Programme: Run by Women in Business and Network Ireland, this programme is for business owners and founders ready to scale their operations. Focus areas include sales and marketing on an all-island basis. Applications close on 7th October 2024 at 1pm.
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SheScales: Delivered by AwakenHub, SheScales helps women entrepreneurs scale their businesses with a focus on scaling strategies and sustainable growth. Applications close on 30th September 2024 at 1pm.
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The Spark It Programme: Also from Women in Business and Network Ireland, this is aimed at women who are pre-revenue and need support or investment. Applications close on 7th October 2024 at 1pm.
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Engage: This programme by Alinea offers structured training to help identify new business opportunities and overcome challenges. Applications close on 30th September 2024 at 1pm.
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Evolve: Delivered by Alinea, Evolve is a rigorous start-up programme for spin-out ventures, offering tools, methodologies, and guest speakers. Applications close on 30th September 2024 at 1pm.
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Innovation Labs 1: TechFoundHer runs this programme to empower women founders with AI-driven tools for market research and innovation. Applications close on 2nd October 2024 at 1pm.
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The Angel Investor Masterclasses: Run by AwakenAngels, these classes offer insights into angel investing and financial literacy. Applications close on 30th September 2024 at 1pm.
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The Deal Leader Training Programme: Also by AwakenAngels, this programme is aimed at women who want to enhance their angel investing skills. Applications close on 30th September 2024 at 1pm.
Why These Programmes Matter
The introduction of these programmes represents a significant commitment to supporting women in business. Here’s why they matter:
- Empowerment: These programmes offer women the tools and knowledge to take their businesses to the next level.
- Support Network: By fostering collaboration, they create a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
- Economic Impact: Empowering women entrepreneurs can lead to greater innovation and economic growth across Ireland.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in any of these programmes, you can apply via the InterTradeIreland Women’s Entrepreneurship page. Make sure to check the application deadlines to ensure your place.
Voices from the Field
Here’s what some key figures have to say:
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Alison Currie, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland: “We are excited to offer these innovative programmes to support women entrepreneurs. There is immense talent and energy here, and we want to help women leverage that to grow their businesses.”
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Karen Finlay, Manager at Invest Northern Ireland: “These programmes provide tailored support to women at all stages of their business journey, from financial education to scaling strategies.”
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Anna-Marie Turley, Head of Entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland: “We believe in harnessing the skills and ambition of a diverse population. These programmes are a step towards increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs.”
Conclusion
InterTradeIreland’s new programmes offer a golden opportunity for women entrepreneurs across Ireland. From scaling strategies to investment insights, there’s something for everyone. If you’re ready to take your business to new heights, don’t miss out on these opportunities.
