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Calling all female entrepreneurs! Have an idea for a start-up or looking for funding for your new business? Applications for a new fund specifically aimed at female entrepreneurs and female-led start-ups is now open.  

The Competitive Start Fund aims to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets and to enable them to reach key commercial and technical milestones, such as developing a prototype, evaluating overseas market opportunities and securing third party investment.

What funding is available?

Enterprise Ireland will invest €50,000 for a 10% ordinary equity stake in the start-up company, which will be released in two equal tranches. NDRC - an early stage investment programme aimed at startups - will invest an additional €5,000 for a 1% equity stake in the company. The overall equity investment will be towards the costs associated with implementing the business plan and making progress on key technical and commercial milestones. 

NDRC Female Founders accelerator programme

Successful applicants will also get a place on the NDRC Female Founders accelerator programme. This six-month residential programme is targeted at women who have a deep knowledge of their relevant industry or who or have potentially disrupted ideas for new technology focussed businesses. The programme consists of business model validation workshops, coaching and mentoring, network expansion, leadership development, and a roadmap for the six months following the programme. Participants will receive:

• A three month accelerator programme focused on validating their idea, crafting a scalable business model and connecting with a network of entrepreneurs, subject matter experts and investors
• Three months of intensive one-to-one mentoring culminating in an Investor Day in December
• Six months of office space for the team 

Who’s it for?

The fund is available to female-led start-ups or female entrepreneurs who are existing or potential clients of Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up Department. Additional criteria applies and the full list can be found on Enterprise Ireland’s website.

Application process

Application opened on 1^st March and must be made via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System (first time applicants must register on the website before applying). The closing date for applying is 3pm on 22^nd March and applicants will be notified of whether they will proceed to the next stage or are unsuccessful on 31^st March. Investment pitches will take place the week of 4^th April and offers will then be made the week of 9^th May. The Female Founders Accelerator Programme begins 7^th June and continues until December. Details about how applications will be evaluated can be found here.

Further Information

More information about the fund can be found on Enterprise Ireland

An NDRC information evening takes place on 10^th March at 6.30pm and for those who can’t make it, office hours can be booked on Wednesday, 2^nd, 9^th & 16^th March from 9am-11am by emailing femalefounders@ndrc.ie

We've compiled other supports available to female entrepreneurs here.