With under two weeks left to go before the deadline for application, women entrepreneurs across Ireland are being urged to ‘back themselves’ and apply to Visa’s She’s Next programme for a chance to win one of five grants together with mentorship and resources to help their business thrive.
Applications for Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme will close on April 9th, providing five small Irish businesses with a total of €90,000 in business funding together with expert coaching from some of Ireland’s most respected businesswomen, Aimee Connolly (founder and CEO, Sculpted by Aimee), Breege O’Donoghue (former board member, Primark) and Gráinne Mullins (founder, Grá Chocolates).
Ines Obtinalla, Head of Marketing, Ireland at Visa, said: “While progress has been made, women entrepreneurs in Ireland are still facing barriers to funding and mentorship. Visa backs small businesses with big ambitions, and this programme will deliver the resources and expertise to power our five winners’ next steps.”
2026 Visa She’s Next – What Winners Receive
— Four women entrepreneurs will each receive €10,000; one overall winner will receive €50,000
— All winners will receive mentoring from three of Ireland’s leading businesswomen: Aimee Connolly, Breege O’Donoghue and Gráinne Mullins
— Individual and group pitch preparation sessions
— Access to ongoing supports available through Visa’s She’s Next alumni network
How to apply
Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme is open to small businesses and organisations in the Republic of Ireland that are majority owned by women, operating across all industries and sectors. To enter, applicants are asked to complete a short submission on visa.ie/shesnext by 9th April 2026.
To date, Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme has awarded €215,000 in funding and coaching to 20 women entrepreneurs in Ireland to help them take their next business step. Last year’s winners were:
— €50,000 grant recipient & overall winner; Claire Fullam – Remi Scalp Care
— Marian Kennedy – Anewmum
— Sinéad Ryan – Little Fitness
— Denise Walsh – Curly Co
— Lisa Kleiner – Nibbed Cacao
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