Women-led businesses take the front seat as three new programmes aim to support entrepreneurs through all business stages.
InterTradeIreland, together with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is launching three new programmes to support and promote women-led businesses.
The programmes are a part of the €30m Shared Island Enterprise Scheme which focuses on promoting women entrepreneurs, supporting networks and clusters, and investments in sustainability and innovation.
Beginning in 2026, the three programmes will support women entrepreneurs throughout different stages of their business growth – from early ventures to scale-ups and established companies.
‘WeBuild’ is a technology-focused programme designed to empower entrepreneurs by accelerating their tech-driven business ideas, and develop tech-enabled ventures focusing on innovation and AI. WeBuild will be delivered by TechFoundHer.
Women in Business Northern Ireland and Network Ireland are together delivering ‘WeGrow’, a programme for established women-led SMEs who are aiming for growth and expansion across the island.
While ‘WeScale’ will work with women entrepreneurs to help them scale strategically and sustainably. This programme will be delivered by AwakenHub, Ireland’s first and only women-led investment syndicate. In a recent announcement, AwakenHub said it has helped its portfolio companies secure more than €4.5m in investments.
Entrepreneurs taking part in the three programmes are set to gain access to mentorship, tailored support, workshops and networking opportunities. Applications are open now.
“We are proud to lead the way in supporting women’s entrepreneurship across the island,” said Michelle Billham, the assistant director of innovation and entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland.
The all-island economic development agency InterTradeIreland is behind the annual Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition. This year, the agency upped its total prize fund for the contest to €800,000.
“InterTradeIreland, in collaboration with our key delivery partners, is delighted to facilitate the delivery of these new programmes to empower women-owned businesses to scale operations, secure investment and enhance leadership for international expansion, ultimately leading to increased confidence and market entry readiness for participants,” Billham added.
Mary Gormley, the head of entrepreneurship at Invest NI said, “By providing targeted support and fostering an inclusive business environment, the programmes will bolster our work to increase the number of female entrepreneurs and help them to unlock new global opportunities and create good jobs.”
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