Boost for Women’s Entrepreneurship as Trio of Programmes Launch as part of Shared Island Enterprise Scheme

InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is launching three new programmes to enable women-led businesses to grow, innovate and scale. Pictured (L-R) are Mary Gormley, Invest Northern Ireland; Michelle Billham; InterTradeIreland and Carol Gibbons, Enterprise Ireland.



New programmes will enable women across the island to grow, innovate and scale their business
 

The opportunity to unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs across the island has been given a boost with the announcement that InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is launching three new programmes to enable women-led businesses to grow, innovate and scale. 

The suite of programmes, set to commence at the start of 2026, will support women entrepreneurs at every stage, from early ventures to scaling already established businesses. Participants will gain access to expert mentorship, tailored support, workshops and networking opportunities that will accelerate their business growth. 

The three new programmes, supported by the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme funded by the Government of Ireland, include:

• WeBuild – A tech programme designed to empower women entrepreneurs to accelerate their tech-driven business ideas, and develop tech-enabled ventures focusing on innovation, AI learning and building strong, future-ready businesses. This programme is delivered by TechFoundHer.
   
• WeGrow – A growth programme for established women-led SMEs who are aiming for growth and expansion across the island and seeking to reflect on their business potential. This programme is delivered by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland.
   
• WeScale – A scaling programme dedicated towards empowering women entrepreneurs to scale strategically and sustainably, blending world-class learning, bespoke mentoring and investor access. This programme is delivered by AwakenHub.

Speaking about the launch of the new programmes, Michelle Billham, Assistant Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, said: “We are proud to lead the way in supporting women's entrepreneurship across the island. 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.” 

Mary Gormley, Head of Entrepreneurship at Invest Northern Ireland, said:“We recognise the extraordinary potential, innovation, and resilience that women entrepreneurs bring to our economy, and we are delighted to be working in partnership to support women’s entrepreneurship.

“Driving entrepreneurship through collaborative working is central to economic growth. Alongside Invest NI’s Ambition to Grow: Supporting Women programme, these new programmes will empower our women entrepreneurs to start, grow and scale their businesses and connect them with other ambitious female founders across the island.

“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.”

Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting female entrepreneurs in achieving their growth ambition in international markets. As part of our commitment to diversity we are passionate about ensuring women founders have the supports they need to succeed. Together with InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland, we are delighted to announce the Women Entrepreneurship programme aimed at ambitious women looking to take their businesses to the next level. This trio of programmes engages participants with insights and experiences to succeed and provides the right connections to strengthen and accelerate their business.”

Applications for WeBuild, WeGrow and WeScale are now open. For more information on the programmes or to apply, visit www.intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship. 

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For further information, please contact: 

Aileen on 00353 87 7724 717/ aileen@communicationsclinic.ie 

Sarah on 00353 85 8535 647/ sarahd@communicationsclinic.ie 

About the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme

In February 2024, the Government of Ireland announced an allocation of €30m from the Shared Island Fund towards the establishment of a new Shared Island Enterprise Scheme developed by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The scheme supports the delivery of new programmes and supports for businesses across the island of Ireland in the areas of Women’s Entrepreneurship, Clustering and Sustainable Enterprise.

The Shared Island Enterprise Scheme marks a new phase in all-island economic collaboration and business growth and the first time that three of the main economic development agencies on the island of Ireland have worked together on a shared scheme of this size.

About InterTradeIreland

InterTradeIreland connects business to opportunities across the island.  We can connect you to customers, suppliers, innovators, experts, networks and investors across the island to grow your business. We also identify opportunities for North-South collaboration that accelerate economic growth and help deliver shared policy priorities. 

With over 25 years’ experience of working alongside businesses of every size in every county on the island of Ireland, InterTradeIreland’s trade, innovation and entrepreneurship pathways help businesses to access funding, advice, expertise, and connections across the island to maximise their exports, productivity and growth. 

www.intertradeireland.com

About Invest Northern Ireland

Invest Northern Ireland’s ambition is to create wealth for the whole community; we will drive a regionally balanced, productive, sustainable and prosperous Northern Ireland economy by unlocking the potential of businesses across the region.

We work with businesses to accelerate their growth by increasing external sales and innovation, creating good quality jobs, boosting productivity and skills, growing inward investment and reducing carbon emissions. We also attract high-quality inward investment and support sectors that offer high returns for the local economy.

We work closely with our stakeholders to maximise the benefits of City and Growth Deal projects which will bolster our economic performance.

www.investni.com

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the Irish Government agency that works with Irish enterprises to help them start, compete, scale and connect and win export sales in global markets. Enterprise Ireland partners with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, and competitiveness. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth and regional development and help create and sustain employment in Ireland.

www.enterprise-ireland.com