Throughout my internship with Enterprise Ireland, I was fortunate enough to meet and work alongside some of Ireland’s most ambitious Female Entrepreneurs and leaders, as well as other strong businesswomen leading the charge for better representation for this somewhat marginalized group. Through these daily interactions, I was able to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by females in business, as well as the supports that are available to assist businesswomen in overcoming these challenges.
According to a study published earlier in the year by Mastercard, Female entrepreneurs make up just 20.1% of Ireland’s total entrepreneurs. The study found that, while Ireland has all the right conditions for businesses owned and led by women to thrive, there appears to be a problem with motivation and self-belief among females in the business world. There are, however, a range of programmes that offer valuable support to female entrepreneurs. Below, I have compiled a list of these valuable resources to assist would-be female entrepreneurs when starting or running a business in Ireland.
Local Enterprise Office (LEO)
The Local Enterprise Office is for people interested in starting a new business or people already trading, including entrepreneurs, early-stage promoters, start-ups and small business looking to expand throughout Ireland. There are 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer a wide range of experience, skills and services such as;
· Feasibility Study Grants
· Mentor Support
· Online Trading Vouchers
· Priming Grants
· Business Expansion Grants
Find your nearest LEO here to get started.
New Frontiers Programme
If you are planning to transform your innovative idea into a business reality, New Frontiers could offer you all the support you need to accelerate your new business. New Frontiers is run in partnership with the Institutes of Technology and is funded by Enterprise Ireland. A comprehensive set of business development supports are offered to successful candidates, along with mentoring, incubation space and potentially a €15,000 tax-free scholarship. This programme will not only equip you with the skills you need but the contacts to assist you in successfully starting and growing your company.
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is highly focused on ensuring that females are equally represented in the Irish business landscape. They have made this a priority and aim to ensure that women in business have the resources at hand to realize their full business potential.
Enterprise Ireland is specifically focused on those new businesses which are considered to have high growth potential and are internationally focused (High Potential Start Ups/HPSUs).
HPSUs are start-up businesses with the potential to develop an innovative product or service that is internationally focused with the potential to create at least 10 jobs and €1 million in sales within 3 to 4 years of starting up. To avail of HPSU supports, you must be a client company of Enterprise Ireland. You can contact the enquiries team here for more information.
Enterprise Ireland also have a Female Entrepreneurship specific Competitive Start Fund.
Two accelerators that are specifically for Female Led Start-Ups;
DCU Ryan Academy Female High Fliers
The Female High Fliers Programme is an accelerator programme for female led start-ups, which specifically addresses the challenges facing female entrepreneurs. This 13-week programme fast tracks female entrepreneurs, developing their leadership skills and their businesses. It includes a comprehensive programme of workshops, bespoke mentoring and excellent networking opportunities, with liked-minded female peers, experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Check out details here and maybe you could be a participating in a future cohort.
Exxcel STEM Programme
Exxcel is a part time programme designed to support female founders with STEM sector start up ideas, and the only one in Ireland dedicating to STEM. The programme is part funded by Enterprise Ireland. Ideas can include ventures that are Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related. The programme is dedicated to providing Female Entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge, mentoring and coaching to validate their idea and business proposition. You can express your interest all year round, more details can be found here.