Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is breaking new ground in championing women entrepreneurs with the launch of its TrailblazHER™ First Steps Programme, a community-based initiative designed to empower women in the Dublin region to explore entrepreneurship and turn their business ideas into reality. TrailblazHER™, has received generous support from Intel Ireland, ESB, Fidelity Investments, Jones Engineering, Workday, Enterprise Mobility and PwC with this latest programme also supported by Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices.
The launch event was attended by Emma Blain, Lord Mayor of Dublin; Emer Higgins, TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail ; Emer Currie, TD for Dublin West; and Sinéad Gibney, TD for Dublin Rathdown. Attending the launch, Minister Higgins highlighted “I am really pleased to see the TrailblazHER™ First Steps Programme take centre stage in providing early-stage support for women considering entrepreneurship, self-employment and return to the workforce. Ireland is ambitious to be a leader in Europe when it comes to supporting women in employment and business, and initiatives like TrailblazHER™ further solidify our position as a progressive, forward-thinking nation.”
The programme is free of charge and open to women aged 18 and over, ensuring accessibility for those with limited means, no prior business experience, or those transitioning back into the workforce. This initiative builds on TU Dublin’s successful track record in supporting female-led businesses. In 2024, 53% of companies backed through Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme at TU Dublin were women-led, a record for the university.
“At TU Dublin, we are committed to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The TrailblazHER™ First Steps Programme reflects our dedication to empowering women from all walks of life. With only 19% of Irish businesses currently women-led, this initiative aims to significantly increase that figure, paving the way for a more balanced and diverse business landscape,” said Claire Mac Namee, Director of TrailblazHER™ and Head of Enterprise Engagement at TU Dublin.
Programme Highlights:
- Free Access: The programme is free of charge to all participants, thanks to generous financial support from TrailbazHER™ partner companies, including Intel Ireland, ESB, Fidelity Investments, Jones Engineering, Workday, Enterprise Mobility and PwC.
- Tailored Support: Designed for women at the critical early stages of entrepreneurship, the programme provides step-by-step guidance and connects participants with Ireland’s enterprise ecosystem.
- Progression Opportunities: Participants gain access to pathways including TU Dublin’s incubation services, Enterprise Ireland’s supports, and Local Enterprise Offices.
The launch of the TrailblazHER™ First Steps Programme also showcased the success of women entrepreneurs supported by TU Dublin. Derya Sousa, CEO of Kianda, grew her tech company, supported by the New Frontiers Programme in 2017, to employ over 15 people at TU Dublin’s Blanchardstown incubator. Nicola Lyons, co-founder of Bánór, recently completed New Frontiers and is scaling her sustainable skincare business. Judy Ehiguese, CEO of SkynCap, is advancing her innovative reusable bald cap start-up through the New Frontiers Accelerate Programme. These entrepreneurs highlight TU Dublin’s pivotal role in empowering women-led ventures. Information sessions about the TrailblazHER™ First Steps will be held in four locations across Dublin during the last week of January. Attendees can choose the time and location that best suits them from the following options:
Locally on Wednesday 29th January 2025 at Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 KV8N, 2pm to 5pm. Following these information sessions, Step 2 of the programme will commence on the 10th February comprising six half-day workshops taking place at TU Dublin’s Aungier Street. For more information or to register for the TrailblazHER™ First Steps Programme, visit www.TUDublin.ie/First-Steps.
