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Women’s Entrepreneurship - FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Programmes?

Women-led and women-founded businesses based on the island of Ireland that are seeking to innovate, grow or scale.

Where a business is co-founded, the woman founder must be the participant on the programme.

Each programme has its own specific eligibility criteria, which can be found on the individual programme pages.

2. Does my business have to be registered?

Yes, your business must be registered. Sole traders and social enterprises are also eligible to apply.

Pre-revenue businesses can apply for WeBuild and WeScale.

Each programme has additional eligibility criteria, so please check the relevant programme page before applying.

3. How do I know which programme is right for me?

Each programme is designed for a different stage of business development.

As a guide:

  • WeBuild – for women founders developing innovative, tech-enabled ideas and early-stage ventures
  • WeGrow – for established businesses focused on strategic growth, including increasing sales and expanding across the island
  • WeScale – for businesses looking to scale and seeking to raise investment

You can find full details on each programme page. If you are unsure which programme is best for your business, please contact the team at we@intertradeireland.com and we can guide you.

4. Are the programmes funded?

Yes. The programmes are funded as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland, meaning there is no cost to participate. Please note that, unless otherwise stated, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

5. How much time do I need to commit?

Programme duration and structure vary but typically include a combination of workshops, mentoring sessions and peer networking over several weeks or months.

Participants are expected to attend all programme sessions and engage actively throughout.

Programme dates are published on each programme page when applications are open, so you can review the schedule in advance and ensure you have the capacity to fully take part.

    6. Are programmes delivered online or in person?

    Our programmes are delivered using a hybrid model, with a mix of online and in-person sessions.

    Please check each programme page for full details including locations and schedules.

    7. When will applications open and close?

    Applications for each programme open and close at different points throughout the year. Please check the individual programme pages for exact dates.

    8. How are participants selected?

    Applications are assessed against the eligibility and selection criteria for each programme.

    Places are limited and demand is high, so the process is competitive. Applications are reviewed to ensure a strong fit with the programme objectives and stage of business.

    9. What if I miss the application deadline or am unsuccessful?

    If you miss the deadline or are not successful, you are very welcome to apply again for future cohorts, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

    The programmes are scheduled to run until 2028, with multiple opportunities to apply.

    You can also register your interest to be notified when applications reopen by completing this form