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About the International Sales Leadership programme

The International Sales Leadership programme is designed to enable ‘Sales Leaders’ to drive sales in international markets through the development of an international sales strategy. It uses a structured approach to the development of strategic leadership and sales capabilities to enable success in a multicultural, international context.

It will help you identify where you are as a sales leader, where you want to be and how to unleash the international sales potential of your business and your team.

Applications for the International Sales Leadership Programme open in November 2026.

In the meantime, you can register your interest and request further information after completing the short eligibility checker.

What benefits does the International Sales Leadership Programme offer?

The International Sales Leadership Programme provides a comprehensive range of tailored support to help businesses succeed in global markets including:

  • International selling and sales leadership workshops
  • Up to 5.5 days of 1-2-1 sales mentoring
  • Up to 3 days of 1-2-1 leadership coaching
  • Facilitated peer to peer learning
  • Development of an international sales growth plan

For more information on the support we offer, download our International Sales Leadership Programme brochure (PDF).

The ISL programme has ignited a fire for sales and growth in me that I did not know existed. It has helped me realise the best person to drive growth in my department is myself, and not because I am taking on all the sales tasks myself, it will be from delegation and overseeing the existing and new resources within the department to carry out a new sales function. The programme has given me a great opportunity to learn more about the sales process from start to finish and a newfound respect of the sales provision. I very much look forward to implementing the new sales growth plan for my department over the next 5 years

Alan Todd, Contracts Director, John J. Doyle

I enjoyed listening to the range of speakers and presenters throughout the course.  They offered a wealth of relevant information, from which I gained a lot of new insights.  Particularly around AI, and presentation decks. The discussions and questions posed by Jim (mentor) allowed me to take away some new ideas back to the business which will be followed up on in the coming months.

Damien McCrory, National Account Manager, Forest Feast

Completing the International Sales Leadership Programme has been a positive experience for me. My mentor provided invaluable assistance with the practical elements of running my business, offering guidance that was both insightful and actionable. Additionally, the leadership coach played a crucial role in enhancing my softer skills, such as leadership, delegation, and collaboration, which have significantly improved my ability to manage and inspire my team.

James O’Kane, Commercial Director, IMED (NI) Ltd

Who can apply for the International Sales Leadership Programme?

The International Sales Leadership Programme is only available to Invest Northern Ireland clients. Find out more about becoming an Invest Northern Ireland client company.

The programme is aimed at the sales leader (sales or commercial directors) of companies who can demonstrate:

  • They are in a sales leadership role within an exporting business with the ambition, drive and responsibility to further elevate international revenues in their companies through sales
  • Commitment and time available
  • Turnover more than of £5million and further growth potential 

How to apply

The application window is due to open in November 2026. In the meantime, you can register your interest and request further information after completing the short eligibility checker.

Q1 - Is your company based in Northern Ireland?
Q2 - Are you an Invest NI client?
Q3 - How many employees (including yourself) is in your business?
Q4 - Does your business meet the annual minimum turnover for the programme?
The annual minimum turnover for Grow Beyond and Graduate to Export is £250,000. The annual minimum turnover for Go Global is £500,000 and the annual minimum turnover for International Sales Leadership Programme is £5,000,000.
Q5 - Are you currently selling outside of Northern Ireland?

Sorry, based on your answers your business does not meet the eligibility criteria for International Sales Leadership Programme.

Outside of International Sales Leadership Programme, there is a wide range of support available to help grow your business in the form of advice, guidance, and funding.

Visit our website for further details on available support or contact us.



The nibusinessinfo.co.uk help and support for exporting section has a range of support available to help businesses trade successfully outside Northern Ireland.

See how we support business for the criteria for becoming an Invest NI client .

Based on your answers your business is eligible for International Sales Leadership Programme.

Complete this form and a member of our Early-Stage Exporter & Capability Team will contact you within five days.

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