InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, has announced three new initiatives to help women-led businesses across the island to grow, innovate and scale.

The programmes are supported by the Government of Ireland's Shared Island Enterprise Scheme and aim to unlock potential among women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Beginning in early 2026, participants will gain access to expert mentoring, tailored support, workshops and cross-border networking designed to accelerate business development from start-up through to scale-up.

The three programmes are:

• WeBuild – a tech-focused programme to accelerate tech-driven ideas and build tech-enabled ventures with an emphasis on innovation, AI learning and future-ready operations, delivered by TechFoundHer.

• WeGrow – a growth pathway for established women-led SMEs seeking expansion across the island and time to reflect on their business potential, delivered by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland.

• WeScale – a scaling track that combines world-class learning, bespoke mentoring and investor access to support strategic, sustainable growth, delivered by AwakenHub.

Speaking about the launch, 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 24 November. Further details are available at intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship.