New programmes for women entrepreneurs launched by Shared Island Enterprise Scheme

21 November, 2025
Three women are holding a sign to promote new programmes for women's entrepreneurship

Pictured (L-R) are Mary Gormley, Head of Entrepreneurship, Invest Northern Ireland; Michelle Billham, Assistant Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, InterTradeIreland; Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship, 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.

We are proud to lead the way in supporting women's entrepreneurship across the island.

Michelle Billham, Assistant Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, InterTradeIreland

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.

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.

Mary Gormley, Head of Entrepreneurship, Invest NI

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 open on Monday 24th November. For more information on the programmes, visit intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship.