The EMPOWER programme brought a new perspective to me and my business. It was fantastic to be part of a group of like-minded female founders. It was somewhere for me to show up and express any concerns about my business or share my wins instead of doing it solo. During the programme we had a 33.3% increase in influencer sign ups, an increase of 80% in sales and our online presence grew by 50%.
Sinead Carroll | Irish Blogger Agency
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
The EMPOWER GROWTH programme was a fantastic opportunity for me as a female entrepreneur to connect with like-minded businesswomen. The programme also helped me focus on growing my business by implementing a clear strategy for growth.
Melissa Walsh | MW Design
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
As the youngest member of my group, I learnt so much from women who had been in business for 10 or 20+ years and who had life experience, and the realities of running a business and having a family. The programme made me more focused, and I achieved all my goals I had set out to do at the start of the programme.
Sandra Ganley | Jiving Juniors Dance School
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
The EMPOWER programme was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I learned so much about myself and my business. The support from Sandra and Declan and the women of the group was priceless to my business. Saved me both money and time to which I am forever grateful.
Gina O’Neill | TheGiftShop.ie
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
I found a community of like-minded women, who were passionate about their business. I found myself amongst women that really did want to make a difference and where money was rarely the motivating factor. When you are running a business, you often feel overwhelmed but when you spoke to the other Empower Women, you did not feel alone, and we shared solutions that we found worked for us to see if it helped the other. I have made friends for life.
Ellie Loftus | Nickeze
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
The Empower Programme is like having a support group, connecting you with women in the same boat as you, with the same challenges, with the same doubts and fears but with the same passion and drive as you, to do something great, to write your own story and to honour your talents. When we help each other, we all flourish and grow. We are stronger together.
Cepta Mahon | Cookalicious
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
I found the course to be great for networking. A fantastic opportunity to bounce ideas off other members and to get ideas, feedback, and advice. A great sense of camaraderie.
Lynsey de Burca | Lynsey de Burca Jewellary
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
Empower provided a network of supportive knowledgeable women and tutors who were able to help navigate businesses through the most difficult of Covid times. The connection between these women really spurred each other on. As a new business, it was reassuring to hear similar issues and concerns from those in much more established businesses, and as a group help resolve those issues.
Edel McWeeney Moran | EZxploring
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
Brilliant. It got me through Covid19 which was a very difficult time. Declan and Sandra were brilliant in getting me to dive into my business and customers. I never ‘had the time’ but this is critical to understanding your business and seeking new opportunities.
Aisling Kelly Hunter | WB’s Coffee House and Sligo Oyster Experience
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
The Empower programme allowed me to develop my mindset as a company founder – giving me the confidence to move from academic researcher and a coach for individual clients to recognising my new position as a female founder and all that it entails. The friendships made amongst my fellow founders is what gave me a safe space to explore the challenges of this new role and having their support within and between sessions has been invaluable.
Janine van Someren | The Wellbeing Advantage
GROWTH 2021/2022 Programme
The reason why I applied for EMPOWER Her was I feel that being an entrepreneur especially a woman in business, can be quiet a lonely experience and what I’ve learned from the programme is having a network or a tribe of women behind you to discuss, chat or just have somebody to bounce ideas off is priceless. So would I recommend the EMPOWER her programme, 100%. It has been such an amazing, motivating, inspiring and empowering programme to be part of and I would highly recommend it.
Charlene Flanagan | Ella & Jo Cosmetics
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
The EMPOWER programme helped me clarify my vision for growth and mapped the road towards achieving it. I am now getting ready to launch a new online PR service from my website InisCommunications.com It’s a big innovation and it offers a great new way for small businesses to secure affordable, quality PR services. The support of the EMPOWER mentors, participants and webinars played an essential role in helping get me to this stage. EMPOWER gives you the focus, the tools and the confidence to grow. I highly recommend it.
Trish Hegarty | Inis Communications
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
I applied for EMPOWER GROWTH because I wanted to connect with likeminded women. Being a solo businesswoman is a lonely journey. I also wanted to understand how I could push my business idea. It’s been a wonderful journey on EMPOWER GROWTH. I’ve connected with some incredible women, I’ve met some new mentors and I’m growing my business. I would highly recommend applying for EMPOWER GROWTH if you, like me want to further your career and your journey.
Melissa Moore | The Retail Advisor
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
I decided to join the EMPOWER programme to get assistance in streamlining our business, to introduce policies and procedures to increase efficiencies. Personally I’ve never been as efficient than in my time with the EMPOWER programme and that’s down to two aspects. One being the accountability aspect but also the supportive network involved in the programme from like minded business women from an array of different backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the EMPOWER programme and I highly recommend it for anyone considering it in the future.
Ann Butler | Higgins Pharmacy Sligo
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
I applied for the EMPOWER GROWTH programme, ultimately so I could get access to resources that would support me in growing my business but also peer support which has been hugely valuable to me as I now have almost like my own board of directors where I can get advice on my business and the feedback that I get has always been very, very valuable. I would highly recommend the EMPOWER GROWTH programme to anybody who is looking to grow and scale your business.
Asumpta Gallagher | Best Practice
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
Empower Growth 2020 helped me expand my business virtually which allowed me to open up to a global market with confidence.
Carly Hillier | White Thorn Equine Health
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
I applied to EMPOWER when I saw the journey of designing, producing and marketing a new brand is a daunting task. EMPOWER GROWTH is 14 business women across six counties, led and mentored by Sandra Divilly Nolan and her GMIT team. We come together, we advise, we listen, we support each other. I cannot express the value of this programme. The pool of experience and diversity to draw from. Apply to EMPOWER GROWTH, it has enriched every step of my journey in creating Rita Oates Artist as a brand.
Rita Oates | Rita Oates Artist
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
For myself personally, I feel it by far exceed my expectations. I never expected the level of support and encouragement that I did get and still am getting and I know I will get in the future as well from the group and from the mentors. The level of support and help along the way has been exceptional. It’s being managed by a great panel of people. There’s great guest speakers and mentors. It’s an amazing programme. We all went into this in Covid, we ran the programme remotely so its a real testament that we’re all out at the end of it. We still all have our businesses and I think its been an amazing support throughout Covid let alone in general in self-employment. I would highly recommend this programme.
Collette Mc Gowan | Kollabro
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
I applied for the EMPOWER programme because I was looking for a support system to be with me during my lonely entrepreneurial journey and I did find that. I also came across a bunch of people that really cared about me, cared about my business and helped me not just to grow my business but also personally speaking by giving me a new set of knowledge and skills that I didn’t have before.
Evy Perez Alvarado | Lipuo.com
GROWTH 2020/2021 Programme
I found the EMPOWER GROWTH Programme to be a fantastic experience. Goal setting at each monthly meeting helped me to focus and made me accountable for my own progress. Speakers were interesting, relevant and inspiring and Maria, our co-ordinator, could not have been more helpful, creating connections for me to relevant people and businesses. It was also great to be in a group of like-minded ladies who were a source of inspiration, wisdom, encouragement and fun. Thanks Maria, Declan and all the ladies on EMPOWER GROWTH 2017/2018.
Niamh Ryan | HomeCheck
GROWTH 2017/2018
I am honoured to have been selected to participate in the EMPOWER START program. I was able to understand my unique strengths and how to use them to grow my creative business in just 12 weeks. Sandra and the other mentors were tremendously helpful. The course really opened my eyes and gave me the confidence to embark on my entrepreneurial journey.
Dani Baumgarten | Dani Teal Studio
START 2022 Programme
The EMPOWER Program built my confidence as a businesswoman and gave me access to not only to professionals but a network of other amazing female entrepreneurs. It also forced me to deep dive into my business and challenge my thoughts and ideas.
Adriana Taheny | ZZZANA
START 2022 Programme
EMPOWER START helped my confidence. A lot of us felt like imposters at first, but we had so much support from everyone on the EMPOWER team, and all the guest speakers, that by the end, we felt absolutely EMPOWERed!
Denise Duffy | Room for a Trade
START 2022 Programme
There were many benefits to taking part in the Empower Start programme for both of us. The number one stand out benefit is the network of like-minded and extremely supportive females that you gain just by taking part, it is something that you cannot put a value on.
Elaine Doherty & Sandra Ginnelly | Elasan Solutions Ltd.
START 2022 Programme
EMPOWER START is a brilliant opportunity to look at your business from inside out, to assess it objectively, discover what works and what does not and learn how to improve and develop your business. Having access to a variety of experts is invaluable. It is an amazing community of woman that encourages and supports each other, it really is a special tribe to be part of.
Goretti Dwyer | PilatesNow.ie
START 2022 Programme
The programme was structured and delivered in such a way that enabled me to explore and reflect not only on my business proposition, but on myself as a woman; a woman with many desires, including the desire to found and build her own business
Katie Cadden
START 2022 Programme
Without the programme I truly believe I would not have come as far as I have. It has instilled in me a great business sense but also a self-belief which has not left me.
Michelle Boland | AONACH
START 2022 Programme
The programme was an overall amazing experience, from the other female entrepreneurs I met and the peer support they offered, to the organizers and the speakers. It gave me the space to reflect and consider my business, to learn about starting and growing my business, and to meet others that faced similar challenges to know that I was not alone. I felt I had people behind me rooting for me to succeed. The course gave me confidence to believe in myself and my business idea and a road map for going forward.
Dr Natasha Langan
START 2022 Programme
EMPOWER START absolutely changed my life. I now have the new business that I had dreamt of for over ten years. I have clients. I have my own income. I have so much joy every morning going to work at something that I created myself.
Nicola Kearns | Leitrim Writing Cottage
START 2022 Programme
I cannot believe the amount of knowledge and direction I got from the Empower program. It completely opened up my mind to so many avenues I didn’t know about, and how to tap into so much information that’s out there. The help I got with conducting research and pitching our products was invaluable.
Sinéad Foyle | The Sea Hare Kitchen
START 2022 Programme
Empower Start 2020 helped me to really hear the customer’s needs and, in understanding those, I was able to refine my business offering.
Báirbre Meehan | PAUSE
START 2020/2021 Programme
Empower Start 2020 was intense but rewarding. It showed me how much I had to learn and the importance of listening to the experts.
Caroline O’Shaughnessy | Cumas Ceangal
START 2020/2021 Programme
Empower Start 2020 was run by people who were genuinely invested in your success. The positive and supportive environment reflected my values, and the structure and comradeship were very beneficial.
Fidelma Dunne O’Higgins | Irish Art Emporium
START 2020/2021 Programme
Empower Start 2020 gave me the opportunity to meet like-minded women with similar passions, ambitions and goals. The energy I got from other people being on the same path with me was helpful to keep me motivated.
Tréasa Fitzgibbon | Tréasa Fitzgibbon Coaching
START 2020/2021 Programme
I was a member of the EMPOWER START programme from November 2020 until February 2021. After completing my degree I really had not anticipated my final year project to grab me a place on the course but was pleasantly surprised after being selected. Despite my lack of experience and background in entrepreneurship, I got to validate my concept and realise my potential. The programme offered me further insights on how to make my idea a reality and eliminated my initial sense of imposter syndrome. My self-confidence has soared and I am excited to continue to develop my journey into becoming my own boss. The course has showed me that nothing is out of reach and there is certainly a place where like-minded women can come together to obtain support and knowledge. I would recommend this facility to anyone who has a business idea they would like to explore, regardless of experience and expertise. I would like to thank all the strong ladies I met here that lead me on the right path into becoming a successful woman.
Ashleen Nee | HotelGo
START 2020/2021 Programme
The EMPOWER START programme was exactly what I needed at the early stage of start-up, and throughout the course I constantly felt I was ‘in the right place at the right time’. Between the tips and tricks we got from trainers and the real-life stories from past participants, the amount of insight we were offered was just incredible. Moreover, the support and equality within the group is something usually quite hard come by and although the whole programme was delivered online we all made some amazing connections. I most definitely recommend this programme to any ladies starting out, I think I’d still be flailing around my idea if it wasn’t for the mentoring and guidance of EMPOWER.
Carla Rosenkranz | Barterkind
START 2020/2021 Programme
The EMPOWER START Programme gave me the push necessary to confidently begin and believe in my journey as an entrepreneur. It prepared me to face the reality of the business world (pitching, marketing), helped me to envision the next steps for my company and connected me with the business world. You transformed people with ideas into real professionals. This was invaluable training and I am so grateful to have been a part of it! Thank you again.
Clémence Guiraut | Coolin Soaps
START 2020/2021 Programme
The EMPOWER Programme has been an incredible grounding in starting off as a female entrepreneur. The course content and advice really opened my eyes to the reality of running my own business. For me, however, the most important part of the programme was becoming part of a group of such supportive and like-minded women. I was sceptical that it would be possible to build relationships like this on a programme that was delivered online. I was wrong. The early stages of becoming an entrepreneur can be a lonely road but it’s one I feel much more confident on now. The knowledge I’ve gained and the friendships I’ve made on the EMPOWER programme will undoubtedly have a significant impact on my future business success. Finally, much thanks to Sandra, Michelle and the wider EMPOWER team for creating such an inspirational programme.
Catherine Devine | Pumpskynz
START 2020/2021 Programme
I found the EMPOWER START programme exactly that, empowering. The sense of support and the genuine will for participants to succeed in their businesses from all involved, the trainers, mentors and directors, was incredible. I feel prepared to take the next steps in my business, with the knowing that I have the skills and information needed to address any future challenges.
Lisa Marie Gallagher | Be Yew – Elemental Energy and Sound Healing
START 2020/2021 Programme
The Empower Start Programme was executed through excellence by Michelle & Sandra. The versatility of top quality entrepreneurs that connected in this action packed 12 week virtual programme was phenomenal, amazing opportunity to network & connect. Hand picked guest speakers & trainers from New York, across the globe and Ireland oozed passion on their specialist subjects, where I felt set up for success. The virtual platform presented no barriers & I thoroughly enjoyed this programme. Thank you to Maria Staunton for the initial vision for the programme & all involved at Empower her, along with the Local LEO offices, The Innovation Hub, GMIT & the Western Development Commission.
Fran Best | Lissawell Coaching
START 2020/2021 Programme
I was delighted to be chosen for the EMPOWER programme and would highly recommend it. I have made lots of wonderful connections and it made me feel as if I was part of something almost like a family, a support network. The road of a new entrepreneur can be a lonely one so to have such support gave you a great boost to know you’re not alone. The program delivered a wealth of information and inspiration. I was sorry to see it end.
Aishling Duffy | The Duffy Tea and Beverage Company
START 2020/2021 Programme
The strengths-based talents and support of EMPOWER START has helped me better understand my own capability and bolstered my self-belief to turn my idea into a successful enterprise. My sincere thanks to everyone involved in the programme.
Karen McCormick | InCharge
START 2020/2021 Programme
The programme led me to really interrogate my motivation for starting my own business, the rational and opportunities for my business and emerge with really clear goals, targets and strategies that I was able to immediately apply. The support of the community of organisers, guest speakers and fellow participants was, and remains, wonderful. Starting your own business can be lonely, but EMPOWER START gives you a team of cheerleaders and powerful resources to make your dream a reality.
Denise Callan | DeniseCallan.com
START 2020/2021 Programme
The EMPOWER START programme has been incredibly supportive and my network of budding Start-ups and mentors has significantly expanded. The buddy group is a terrific initiative. To all those women considering starting a business – this is a Must do, you will have no regrets!
Margaret Rae
START 2020/2021 Programme
Fantastic support and guidance received throughout this programme, I loved connecting in with other like-minded women, everyone was very supportive of each other on their journey. Highly recommend to anyone starting out or thinking of starting out on their own.
Elaine Harrington | Inform Physiotherapy & Pilates
START 2020/2021 Programme
Really practical programme if you are thinking of setting up a business. This programme helps you in a supportive manner to explore your business idea, carry out relevant market research and provides you with skills and tools to develop your business. I would highly recommend it.
Michelle McLoughlin | Fit Fun Adventures
START 2020/2021 Programme
The EMPOWER START programme has given me one of the best starts for my business. I now know what my weak and strong points are and where I need to develop. A must for a business start-up.
Munaza Gilmore | Brow Lounge Swinford
START 2020/2021 Programme
The Empower START programme is a brilliant option for female entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business. The program deals with all the main aspects of a business, from creating the business plan to marketing and selling your product. All the speakers were excellent and the information is invaluable, but the biggest benefit for me was the mentoring and networking provided by the group itself. It really helped to increase my confidence in myself as a business woman and in my product. We’ve created a lasting relationship and I believe we will continue to provide help and support to each other beyond the programme into the future.
Mary Corrigon | Noo Chocolates
EMPOWER I START Programme
Women in business in the West of Ireland may find themselves up against many barriers, but through the invaluable support of the programme Mentors and peers, EMPOWERHer has provided me with the tools to overcome any challenge my business may face. Since commencing the START programme, my business has already started to achieve traction within the market and I am excited about what the futures holds for Hawthorn Handmade Skincare.
Elaine Kennedy | Hawthorn Handmade Skincare
EMPOWER I START Programme
The EMPOWER Programme has helped me acquire relevant skills to run my own business. The course instils the importance of group work and networking with team interactions applying principles of critical thinking, problem solving and sharing. The lecturers were engaging covering topics such as lean canvas, market research, financials, networking, funding sources and data protection. I have gained more confidence in my ability to structure my company and position it in the marketplace. Thank you to Maria Staunton our leader, motivator and friend.
Deirdre O Dwyer Veerasingam | Cardiotechhealthcare Ltd
EMPOWER I START Programme
The EMPOWER Programme has opened up a new network of people and supports which I could not have accessed myself but the best part was meeting Maria and all the participants who have been so encouraging, fun to meet and I look forward to seeing us all develop over the next two years.
Mary Finn | Connect4Work
EMPOWER I START Programme
We thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Empower 2017 Programme. The course was well organised and structured with informative and appropriate speakers and presenters each week but most of all we gained a lot of knowledge, insight and advice from our peers/participants on the course.
Emer Bourke & Siobhan Hennelly | Food Fitness Fertility Ltd
EMPOWER I START Programme
The EMPOWER Programme is a great learning and support network, we encourage each other and form lasting friendships. It was an amazing journey learning what others see and think about you and your business, it removes the wool from your eyes if you are willing to listen and learn.
Rachel Dubber | Rachel Dubber Art. Design. Photography
EMPOWER I START Programme
Having taken part in the recent EMPOWER START Programme for Entrepreneurial women, I feel very focused and motivated to make my business the best possible. I met so many fabulous women, I like to call friends, who are incredibly supportive and encouraging. The organizers and mentors on the programme were simply fantastic, with Maria Staunton, in particular standing out as our best cheer leader. I enjoyed the subjects covered and learned lots of great things, even when some advice was not directly linked to my business. I would recommend this programme to any woman who is looking for support and current advice to help grow her business in Ireland and beyond.
Pauline Rohdich | PaulineRohdich.com
EMPOWER I START Programme
