Five grants worth a combined €90,000 and mentorship from leading business figures aim to widen access to funding.
Visa has opened applications for its 2026 She’s Next Grant Programme, encouraging women founders across Ireland to “back themselves” as they compete for five business grants and access to mentorship from prominent industry leaders.
The initiative, which seeks to narrow the entrepreneurship gap, will award a total of €90,000 in funding.
“Even the most successful businesspeople can suffer from imposter syndrome, but this is often predicated on feelings, not fact Starting a business, dealing with challenges, setting high standards and showing genuine passion for what you are doing is proof of capability”
Four winners will receive €10,000 each and one overall winner will secure €50,000. All participants will also gain access to coaching, pitch-preparation sessions and Visa’s growing She’s Next alumni network.
For the first time, the programme brings together three of Ireland’s most recognised businesswomen as judges and mentors: Aimee Connolly, founder and chief executive of Sculpted by Aimee, Breege O’Donoghue, the former Primark board member, and Gráinne Mullins, founder of Grá Chocolates.
Factors for entrepreneurial success
Pictured (from left): Ines Obtinalla of Visa; Gráinne Mullins of Grá Chocolates, Breege O’Donoghue; Aimee Connolly, Sculpted by Aimee; and previous She’s Next winner Claire Fullam of Remi Scalp Care
Speaking at the launch, each highlighted a factor they believe is essential for entrepreneurial success.
Connolly said that many women underestimate their own achievements and capabilities.
“Even the most successful businesspeople can suffer from imposter syndrome, but this is often predicated on feelings, not fact,” she said. “Starting a business, dealing with challenges, setting high standards and showing genuine passion for what you are doing is proof of capability. Recognise your capabilities and back yourself, and you will have one less negative thing to deal with.”
O’Donoghue emphasised that founders should build a network before growth becomes critical. “Mentorship is a growth and confidence accelerator, the value of which cannot be underestimated,” she said.
“Surround yourself with good people and build strong networks, not just within your own industry. Learn from others as you grow, and be willing to reciprocate by showing support to others too.”
Mullins urged women entrepreneurs not to delay applying for funding or pitching until they feel fully prepared. “Perfection is the enemy of progress,” she said.
“If you wait until you feel 100 per cent ready, you may never take that next step. Take the next step with vision and focus, whatever stage you are at, because that could be the difference between opportunity realised and opportunity missed.”
Barriers to success remain
Ines Obtinalla, Visa’s head of marketing for Ireland, said that while progress has been made, significant barriers remain around access to funding and mentorship.
“Visa backs small businesses with big ambitions and this programme will deliver the resources and expertise to power our five winners’ next steps,” she said.
She added that earlier cohorts have shown how targeted financial support and mentoring can help founders scale, innovate and gain confidence. “If you are ready to take the next step in your business journey, now is the time to apply.”
The programme is open to women-owned small businesses and organisations operating in the Republic of Ireland and spans three categories: general small business, early stage businesses under three years old, and social enterprises.
Previous applicants who did not win are invited to reapply. Submissions can be made via visa.ie/shesnext and the deadline is 11.59pm on April 9 2026.
Since its launch in Ireland, She’s Next has provided €215,000 in funding and coaching to 20 women entrepreneurs.
Last year’s overall winner was Claire Fullam, founder of Remi Scalp Care, who received €50,000 in funding alongside one-to-one mentorship with Connolly. Fullam, a clinical trichologist, founded her company after being diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, which caused her to lose 90 per cent of her hair.
“Winning the Visa programme and all the supports that went with the prize gave my business a huge boost,” she said. “I have been able to accelerate my plans for R and D and clinical trials, which means that I hope to break the US market earlier than planned. The programme, and being part of an alumni of other like-minded women entrepreneurs, has given me huge confidence and I am backing myself like never before.”
Top image: 2026 Visa She’s Next mentors Gráinne Mullins, founder of Grá Chocolates; Breege O’Donoghue, former board member, Primark; and Aimee Connolly, founder and CEO, Sculpted by Aimee. Photo: Naoise Culhane
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