Visa Issues Last Call for Ireland’s Women Entrepreneurs & Business Owners

Visa is reminding women entrepreneurs across Ireland that there’s less than one week to go to enter ‘She’s Next, Empowered by Visa.’

Europe’s inaugural She’s Next programme will provide funding options for women business-owners in Ireland, with the chance to apply for one of five grants totalling €25,000.

In partnership with the go-to funding marketplace for women-owned businesses IFundWomen, women entrepreneurs in Ireland, across all industries and sectors, are invited to apply for one of five €5,000 grants. The winning businesses will also be awarded business coaching from IFundWomen for one year to support them with moving their business forward.

Applications are open until 2 November 2021 at IFundWomen.com/VisaIreland.

A mission to support women-led small businesses

“The pandemic has impacted all small businesses across the country, but women business-owners have been disproportionately affected,” said Dominic White, Country Manager Ireland, Visa. “Visa wants to spotlight and address the challenges faced by women and the gender imbalance that still exists in early entrepreneurship. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in Ireland, and we all have a role to play in supporting them as they get back on their feet. We’re excited to be bringing this opportunity to women-owned businesses in Ireland today and hope these grants will support them in making their next move.”

Women business leaders get behind She’s Next

The founders of Irish creative brand Jill & Gill are getting behind the She’s Next programme. Jill Deering, co-founder of the company said, “We are regularly approached by women entrepreneurs who are looking for guidance and advice on a wide range of issues from how they can take their business online, to finance management, marketing and HR.

“These grants can make all the difference to a business in need of a boost and She’s Next is the extra support that women in business need right now. We’re really looking forward to hearing the winners’ business stories and are calling on women business-owners to get applying now or if you know someone who could benefit – make sure you tell them about this great initiative. Don’t miss out as it is so easy to apply.”

How to Apply

The She’s Next Grant Programme, in partnership with IFundWomen, is open to small businesses and organisations who are majority owned by women, operating across all industries and sectors, through a simple application process. To enter, applicants are asked to submit details about their business and online presence at IFundWomen.com/VisaIreland.

Applications are invited under five different categories: micro business, early-stage business, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, innovation in science, technology, engineering or medicine and social impact, including not for profit organisations.