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Women in business

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Backing Women Founders

Enterprise Ireland supports women founders with the funding, expert advice, and global access to grow and scale at speed. Whether you’re establishing a start-up or expanding into international markets, we’re here to support your journey. 

 

Because big ambition deserves real support.

Funding Ambition

 

Through targeted funding, we’re backing women founders to scale their businesses and lead with confidence. In recent years, the landscape for women-led start-ups has transformed, with growing investment, visibility, and support. Enterprise Ireland is proud to invest in women entrepreneurs and help ambitious women scale globally.

200 million euros invested by VCs in Irish women-led start-ups in 2024

In 2024, 29% of the start-ups supported by Enterprise Ireland had a woman in the founding team

Ireland is 2nd in Europe for investment in women-led start-ups

Explore our supports

Explore the different initiatives available to women in business      

Enterprise Ireland offers a comprehensive suite of services for start-ups. Our aim is to foster an inclusive business ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can thrive and make their mark on the global stage. 

Pre-Seed Start Fund

Supporting early-stage companies in reaching the key technical and commercial milestones required to attract future seed funding.

Innovative HPSU Fund

Accelerate your international business plan with co-funded equity investment of up to €800,000 for high potential start-ups.

New Frontiers

The nationwide programme for ambitious startup founders with an innovative business idea that has the potential to scale and provide employment.

Going for Growth - Starting Strong

Providing growth-focused assistance to ambitious female entrepreneurs in Ireland who are at an early stage in the development of their business.

HPSU Feasibility Study Grant

Access up to €30,000 to help you to test how feasible your business strategy is, identify risks and understand the resources you need to begin scaling

Enterprise Ireland is committed to increasing the participation of women in senior leadership. Explore resources to support your journey as a women leader in an established business.

Capability Building

A range of supports for women in established businesses to develop their leadership skills.

Balance for Better Business

We support the achievement of a better gender balance at senior levels in Irish companies.

Women in Finance Charter

We support the financial services industry’s ambition to see increased participation of women at all levels.

Get in touch

For more information on how we can support on your journey, guide you to the right supports and advise you on the best next steps.

Contact us
Content

Discover the businesses we’ve helped grow

View all success stories

Success Stories

€18.75m funding recommended for two Enterprise Ireland client companies in Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator

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€18.75m funding recommended for two Enterprise Ireland client companies in Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator

Success Stories

€27.6 Million Invested Start-Ups in 2024

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StartUpDay

Success Stories

Over €200 million invested in Irish women-led start-ups by VCs in 2024 – according to PitchBook’s ‘All In’ European Report released today

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Over €200 million invested in Irish women-led start-ups by VCs in 2024 – according to PitchBook’s ‘All In’ European Report released today

Success Stories

Drover Foods finds recipe for success with Leadership 4 Growth programme

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Drover Foods

Success Stories

Family business ethos contributes to world beating formula

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Caroline Kelly, Burnside Autocyl

Success Stories

€100 million invested in Irish women-led startups by VCs in 2023 – according to PitchBook’s All In Report released today

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Enterprise Ireland & IVCA & PitchBook

Success Stories

Sinéad Crowther of Soothing Solutions announced as HPSU 'Founder of the Year 2023' at Enterprise Ireland awards

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Sinéad Crowther of Soothing Solutions announced as HPSU 'Founder of the Year 2023' at Enterprise Ireland awards
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