What is EMPOWER
The Empower Programme is a new Female Entrepreneur Programme targeted at female entrepreneurs from Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
This programme plans to address specific challenges that hinder females and will help to fast track female-led businesses.
It commenced in October 2017 with 34 females being selected onto cycle one and 30 being selected onto cycle two in October 2018 and is delivered by the GMIT Innovation Hubs who have a successful
track record in delivering entrepreneurship programmes across the region. The second cycle is currently underway.
We were awarded new funding in November 2019 to run a new EMPOWER and roll it out to three new counties including Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.
EMPOWER
START
Second cycle currently underway
Who is it for?
A group of 20 early stage female-led businesses (at early stage of idea or in business less than 1 year).
When?
Taking place once a week (10am-3pm approx) over 3 months plus networking and mentoring.
Objective
To gain confidence, think creatively, go through the start-up process and develop pitch / business model. Networking will be encouraged and a start-up community will be created.
Examples of Topics:
Problem, Solution, Opportunity, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams. Areas such as Confidence, Leadership, Communication etc will also be developed during the Programme.
EMPOWER
GROWTH
Second cycle currently underway
Who is it for?
A group of 12 female-led businesses(in business over 2 years who clearly understand their value proposition and customer segmentation) looking to scale.
When?
Taking place once a month (half day on Saturday) over 11 months plus networking and mentoring.
Objective
To build a strong network of like-minded female CEOs in the region who are looking to scale and learn from experienced business people.
Examples of Topics:
Sales (online selling, branding, distribution), Risk Management, Investment, Innovation, Strategy, Team Building etc. Topics will be based on need assessments of the group.
This project is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund as part of the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.