Women entrepreneurs across Ireland are being urged to \u2018back themselves\u2019 as applications open for the 2026 She\u2019s Next Visa Grant Programme.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Powered by Visa and aimed at closing the entrepreneurship gap in Ireland, She\u2019s Next 2026 will provide five women-owned businesses with a total of \u20ac90,000 in business funding together with expert coaching, mentorship and additional resources to help their businesses thrive.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read:\u00a0“The health system failed Bryonny” – Health minister and HSE CEO issue formal apology to Longford family<\/a><\/p>\n For the first time it also brings together some of Ireland\u2019s most respected businesswomen – Aimee Connolly (founder and CEO, Sculpted by Aimee), Breege O\u2019Donoghue (former board member, Primark) and Gr\u00e1inne Mullins (founder, Gr\u00e1 Chocolates) \u2013 who will provide mentorship to this year\u2019s five winners.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Together with a range of Visa business supports, the winners will benefit from the experience and expertise of these exceptional business leaders, who have also been announced as judges for the 2026 She\u2019s Next programme.<\/p>\n Despite operating in different sectors and encountering different challenges, all three agreed on three defining factors for success:<\/p>\n Back yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n Aimee Connolly said that self-belief can be the biggest hurdle to taking the next step in business. \u201cEven the most successful businesspeople can suffer from imposter syndrome, but this is often predicated on feelings, not fact,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cStarting a business, dealing with challenges, setting high standards and showing genuine passion for what you are doing is proof of capability. So, recognise your capabilities and back yourself, and you\u2019ll have one less negative thing to deal with.\u201d<\/p>\n