Visa She’s Next €10K Winners Announced
27th September 2022
Visa recently announced the winners of its second She’s Next Grant Programme in Ireland, created to boost and empower women entrepreneurship.
Five business owners from across Ireland received a grant of €10,000 and one-year business coaching through IFundWomen, a funding platform for women entrepreneurs, to support, grow and expand their businesses. This year saw Visa double the funding as the company continues its mission to address the unique set of challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
“The quality of entries received this year has been truly incredible and it is encouraging to see so many extremely talented female business owners in Ireland” said Mandy Lamb, Visa Managing Director UK & Ireland. “We know that many women businesses still need support, which is why we’re delighted to be able to offer five worthy winners an even bigger grant this year, on top of the coaching offered by IFundWomen. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners – it’s fantastic to be able to make a difference to their businesses and we look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.”
With representation from multiple sectors including technology, retail and recycling, the five winners span all four provinces, demonstrating the widespread reach of the programme.
The winners of each category are:
Jane Conlon, Sodalicious
General Small Business: Jane Conlon, Sodalicious, Limerick
A soda bread bakery and café located in the heart of Limerick city, Sodalicious has reinvented soda bread with a unique formula based on a traditional recipe but with a modern twist.
Micro business: Siobhan McKenna, Moss and Cable, Donegal
Moss and Cable is a modern Irish knitwear studio that aims to reinvigorate the declining knitwear and tweed heritage from Co. Donegal, while also creating a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion brands.
Fiona Fahy, Feed Me Mother
Early-stage business: Fiona Fahy, Feed Me Mother, Waterford
FeeFeed Me Mother is a sustainable breastfeeding clothing brand. As a breastfeeding mother, Fiona Fahy saw a gap in the market for a fashionable and sustainable online breastfeeding clothing brand.
Maria Hall, Hub Planning
Innovation: Maria Hall, Hub Planning Ltd, Sligo
Hub Planning provides the necessary expertise and web-based tools to deliver a unique, integrative approach that unites strategy, data analytics, planning, policy, engagement and communication.
Sustainability: Ellen Ryall, ReFunk Upcycling, Dublin
ReFunk is a furniture upcycling platform that supports the circular economy and local creatives by connecting freelance upcyclers with sustainably-minded consumers.
Lead Picture (l-r): Ellen Ryall, Meredith Davis, Anna Sheehan and Ellie Walters from ReFunk Upcycling.
