Visa has announced the winners of its biggest-ever She’s Next Grant Programme in Ireland. Now in its fourth year, entries have more than trebled since the programme first launched, highlighting the appetite for support tailored to women in business.
Spanning sectors as diverse as food, women’s health, haircare and physical education, Visa’s 2024 She’s Next Grant Programme winners were revealed and celebrated at an awards ceremony in Dublin today.
The She’s Next Grant Programme winners are:
— Claire Fullam, founder of Remi Scalp Care
— Marian Kennedy, founder of Anewmum, Post Partum Relief Healthcare
— Sinéad Ryan, founder of Little Fitness, a physical education social enterprise
— Denise Walsh, founder of Curly Co haircare range
— Lisa Kleiner, Co-founder of Nibbed Cacao, bean-to-bar range
Research conducted by Visa highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in Ireland, and in particular, the unique obstacles encountered by women entrepreneurs. According to its latest study1, access to investment and funding (49%), along with support programmes and business grants (33%), are critical resources that small businesses rely on to survive.
This year’s overall winner, Claire Fullam, founder of Remi Scalp Care, was awarded a €50,000 grant, the largest business grant ever awarded by Visa’s She’s Next programme, having successfully pitched her business to Visa’s judging panel in January. Each of the four other winners received a €10,000 business grant to help take their next business steps with confidence.
All five winners of the She’s Next Grant Programme will also receive mentoring from award-winning entrepreneur and Visa’s She’s Next Campaign Ambassador, Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted by Aimee. Additionally, they will benefit from business coaching provided by MentorsWork, an initiative by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Small Firms Association (SFA). As part of the programme, the winners also participated in group pitch preparation sessions designed to equip them with the skills and confidence to excel when future funding opportunities arise.
Mandy Lamb, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Visa commented:
“Ireland is home to an incredible wealth of female talent and at Visa we’re proud to support them. Recognising there is still more work to do to create an equitable future for female entrepreneurs, our She’s Next Grant Programme is designed to help uplift female-led small businesses and deliver the tools they need to thrive.
Each of our five winners demonstrated immense potential and we look forward to supporting them on their journey to success through access to funding, mentoring and coaching. We’re delighted to congratulate our inspiring winners – Remi Scalp Care, Nibbed Cacao, CurlyCo, Little Fitness, and Anewmum – and remain focused on continuing to create an inclusive environment for small businesses in Ireland to grow.”
Aimee Connolly, Visa’s She’s Next mentor and judge, said of the winners:
“It’s truly inspirational to see the passion and innovation showcased by Visa’s five She’s Next winners. Having been through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship myself with Sculpted By Aimee, I understand firsthand the challenges that come with growing a brand from the ground up.
That’s why I’m excited to provide mentoring to this talented group of women entrepreneurs and share the insights and strategies that have helped me to grow and scale. I’m already looking forward to seeing what these businesses will achieve into the future.”
Minister Niamh Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said:
“I am delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of this year’s Visa She’s Next Grant Programme winners. These five inspiring female entrepreneurs exemplify the innovation, resilience, and leadership that drive Ireland’s business community forward. Initiatives like She’s Next play a vital role in breaking down barriers for women in business, providing not only essential funding but also mentorship and strategic support.
Congratulations to Claire, Marian, Sinéad, Denise, and Lisa on this well-earned recognition – I have no doubt their businesses will continue to thrive and inspire many others. I also want to commend Visa for its continued commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs across Ireland.
Its investment in women-led businesses does more than support individual success stories—it strengthens our economy as a whole and paves the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs.”
About She’s Next, Empowered by Visa
The 2024 She’s Next Grant Programme saw the largest number of applicants to date, with over 770 businesses applying. Since 2021, Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme has awarded €215,000 in funding and coaching to 20 women entrepreneurs across Ireland.
