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Women in business

Supporting Women in Business

At Enterprise Ireland, we’re dedicated to propelling Ireland’s economy by cultivating a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. Increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women in management is a strong focus for Enterprise Ireland, and this work is underpinned by our six-year Action Plan for Women in Business. Our Women in Business Strategy is geared towards increasing the number of women leaders and entrepreneurs, and we’ve set ambitious goals to achieve this.

100 million euros invested by Irish VCs in women-led start-ups in 2023

In 2023, 31% of the startups supported by Enterprise Ireland had a women in the founding team

Ireland is 3rd in Europe for investment in women-led start-ups

In 2023, 39% of the participants of the New Frontiers phase 2 programme were women

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Our initiatives

Explore the different initiatives available to women in business      

Enterprise Ireland offers a comprehensive suite of services for startups. Our aim is to foster an inclusive business ecosystem where female 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.

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Innovative HPSU Fund

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

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Road to VC Investment

"Road to VC Investment Programme", in partnership with the Irish Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, aims to support women-led start-ups to access finance.

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New Frontiers

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

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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.

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Networks and Programmes

Explore existing networks and programs designed for women.

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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.

The Level Project Toolkit

A practical Toolkit to support your company to develop a Action Plan towards achieving gender balance in your senior leadership team.

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Capability Building

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

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Balance for Better Business

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

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Women in Finance Charter

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

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Contact us

If you are a woman entrepreneur, our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey, guide you to the right supports and advise you on the best next steps. 

 

Call us on +353 1 727 2130 - open weekdays from 9am to 5pm. 

 

If you are a Start-up, please use this form - Contact the start-up team

 

For any other questions, please reach out to our general enquires team who will connect you with supports, insights and advice for all stages of your business journey - Contact us

Content

Discover the businesses we’ve helped grow

View all success stories

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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