The expansion of a programme aimed at aiding women in establishing or expanding small businesses in Gaeltacht regions is planned. Over the next three years, the programme makers aspire to back over 100 female business owners.
The programme, known as the Empower Cumasú, will be jointly run by Údarás na Gaeltachta in partnership with Atlantic and Munster Technological Universities, with an expanded framework. The initiative will focus on women at different stages of their business, offering assistance for those initiating their enterprise and mentoring from experienced women entrepreneurs to those aiming to elevate their ventures.
The preliminary version of the initiative held last year proved effective in supporting 15 women entrepreneurs who went on to establish businesses across diverse industries, such as tourism and clothing manufacturing. The 12-week program utilised a combination of virtual and on-site sessions, carefully designed to accommodate any ongoing work or family obligations of the participants.
The expanded project anticipates involvement from women residing across Gaeltacht regions in Mayo, Galway, along with other areas such as Donegal, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Meath.
The tuition-free initiative will primarily operate from the Atlantic Technological University’s innovation hubs and the Rubicon Centre at the Munster Technological University in Cork.
Professing an optimistic outlook for the programme, Maria Staunton from the Atlantic Technological University said the project aims to build on last year’s success and leverage the changes in the employment landscape brought about by remote working and establishment of hubs during the pandemic. She indicated an anticipation of attracting about 90 women for the start-up programme and two groups of 12 for the growth ones, positively emphasising the potential of women’s ability to successfully establish and maintain businesses.
Tomás Ó Síocháin, the head of Údarás na Gaeltachta, expressed that the aim of the programme was to assist participants in capitalising on the frequently overlooked potential that resides in a significant portion of the populace. The initiative, dubbed Cumasú, is earmarked to be the first of numerous steps intended for female entrepreneurs, with Údarás preparing successive stages for these entrepreneurs in their pursuit to make innovative ideas a reality.
Details pertaining to these initiatives can be located on empowerprogramme.ie. For up-to-the-minute political analysis and conversation, tune into our Inside Politics Podcast. Register for push notifications and get premier news, critical analysis and commentary straight to your mobile. Keep current with The Irish Times on WhatsApp.