Trio of Support Programs Launch for Female Founders in 2026

UPDATE: Three transformative support programs for female entrepreneurs have been unveiled, poised to launch in early 2026. InterTradeIreland, in collaboration with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, aims to boost women-led businesses across the island with tailored resources and expert mentorship.

The new suite of initiatives will cater to women entrepreneurs at various stages, from startups to established firms seeking growth. Each program will provide participants with vital networking opportunities, workshops, and strategic guidance that could accelerate their business success.

The trio of programs includes:

– WeBuild: A tech-focused initiative designed to enhance innovation and AI proficiency, delivered by TechFoundHer.
– WeGrow: Targeted at established women-led SMEs aiming for expansion, this program is facilitated by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland.
– WeScale: A dedicated scaling program led by AwakenHub, focusing on sustainable growth strategies for women entrepreneurs.

Michelle Billham, assistant director of innovation and entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud to lead the way in supporting women’s entrepreneurship across the island.” She emphasized the programs’ potential to empower women-owned businesses, enabling them to scale operations and enhance leadership capabilities for international market entry.

Mary Gormley, head of entrepreneurship at Invest Northern Ireland, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving economic growth. “These new programs will empower our women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale their businesses while connecting them with other ambitious female founders,” she noted.

Carol Gibbons, head of entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland, reinforced the commitment to diversity and support for women founders. She stated, “This trio of programs engages participants with insights and experiences to succeed and provides the right connections to strengthen and accelerate their business.”

This announcement arrives as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland, which aims to foster collaboration and innovation across regions. With these programs set to roll out, the landscape for female entrepreneurship is about to experience a significant enhancement, providing women with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive market.

As anticipation builds for the launch in early 2026, stakeholders are encouraged to take action now. This is a pivotal moment for women entrepreneurs across the island, as the new support initiatives are expected to unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth and international expansion.

Stay tuned for further updates on these groundbreaking programs that could reshape the future of female entrepreneurship.