Since 2017, Ireland’s EMPOWER Programme has been quietly revolutionizing support for female entrepreneurs across the country. This government-backed initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund, proves that with the right support, women can become powerful drivers of economic growth.

Beyond Funding: Addressing the Real Barriers

While many assume the main barrier to female entrepreneurship is funding, EMPOWER discovered a deeper challenge. “Feedback reveals that lack of self-belief can be a big deterrent for women starting a business,” the programme found. This insight shaped their holistic approach, addressing both practical skills and psychological barriers.

The numbers tell a compelling story: 490 women applied for Cycle 1 alone, with 80 more in 2019 for Cycle 2. But it’s the outcomes that truly matter.

Real Impact, Real Results

EMPOWER’s success speaks through concrete achievements:

Over 40 businesses launched by programme graduates

146+ people employed full-time in these new ventures

94% of participants achieved third-level qualification

These aren’t just statistics—they represent women who transformed their lives and communities through entrepreneurship.

A Community-Centered Approach

What sets EMPOWER apart is its strategic expansion across Ireland. Local Enterprise Offices in Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal provide crucial regional support, proving that geography needn’t limit entrepreneurial ambition.

One participant captured the programme’s impact: “The Programme has proven that there is lots of demand from females looking to start their own business. I really believe female-led businesses are an underexploited source for economic growth and jobs.”

Building Confidence Alongside Skills

Programme leaders observed that while participants showed “high levels of ambition,” many struggled with “low perceptions of capability.” This led to innovations focusing on confidence-building, peer networks, ongoing mentorship, and addressing work-life balance challenges.

The approach recognizes that entrepreneurship doesn’t happen in isolation. Creating supportive communities has proven essential for long-term success.

The Bigger Picture

EMPOWER’s success in rural and peripheral areas demonstrates that with proper support, location becomes an asset rather than a barrier. Female entrepreneurs in these regions aren’t just creating jobs—they’re revitalizing entire communities.

The economic logic is clear: supporting female entrepreneurs isn’t just about fairness—it’s smart business. When women succeed, entire communities benefit through job creation, innovation, and economic diversification.

Looking Forward

As Ireland builds its reputation as an innovation hub, programmes like EMPOWER ensure this growth includes everyone. The programme proves that removing barriers and providing comprehensive support doesn’t just help individual women—it drives broader economic prosperity.

For women considering entrepreneurship, EMPOWER offers more than training—it provides a pathway to realizing business potential while building the confidence and network needed for lasting success.

The message is powerful: when proper support meets female ambition, the results transform not just individual lives, but entire communities and economies.