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Enterprising Women

ENTERPRISING WOMEN 2023 – 2026

Supported by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Bank of America and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund

EQUAL Ireland’s Enterprising Women Project, which is being rolled out by Caroline O’Shaughnessy and Riona Feerick, is one of just five projects being supported by the Mná na hÉireann, Women of Ireland Empowerment Fund 2023 – 2026.  

Caroline and Riona are former students of EQUAL Ireland, and both graduated in 2021 with a BA (Hons) in Social Enterprise, Leadership and Management. 

‘Mná na hÉireann’s’ Funders are Rethink Ireland in partnership with Bank of America and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund. Thanks to these Funders ‘Enterprising Women’ services come at absolutely no cost to you.

This is a great opportunity to explore and grow, entirely free of charge!

What’s on offer?

Enterprising Women is designed to support women on their journey towards quality education, employment, and self-employment.

This programme offers a range of opportunities to aspiring learners, job seekers and entrepreneurs alike. 

It is a blended (mix of on-line and in-person workshops), part-time, foundation (or first-steps) programme which will equip women with the basic skills and confidence needed to take part in education, employment, or self-employment. It is a non-accredited programme which means there are no exams, tests, or assignments.

There are 6 workshops offered to each student. The best part? You do not have to do all 6, you choose the areas which are of most interest to you. The workshops are designed to be incredibly flexible, offering both in-person workshops at a convenient local venue (numbers permitting) and online workshops. The duration of the workshops varies from 2 to 4 hours.

The workshops are:

1. Communications and Confidence Building

Learn strategies which will help you become an effective communicator.  Develop your self-confidence, identify your strengths, and manage weaknesses. 

2. Learning to Learn and Understanding Assignments

Did you know we all have different learning styles?  Knowing what your learning style is can change the way you learn!  Understanding how to prepare an assignment for further or higher education is a practical, indeed essential advantage. 

3. Basic Digital Skills for Education

Effective internet searches, E-mail, Introduction to Zoom, Microsoft Teams (for education) and Microsoft Word. 

4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Putting a useful value on what you already know and/or have experienced!  Learn how RPL can benefit you.  Understand RPL opportunities and limitations and build a RPL Portfolio. 

5. Pathways to Employment / Self-Employment / Entrepreneurial programmes

Sourcing information on Entrepreneurial programmes and networking opportunities for employment.  Learn to tailor your CV for the specific role/job vacancy/promotion. Understanding how to become self-employed can turn your entrepreneurial idea into reality. 

6. Financial Awareness

Personal Finances:  managing your money, knowing the difference between essential and non-essential expenses, and understanding your payslip.

Self-Employed Finances: bank reconciliation, allowable expenses, and Revenue returns.

Not sure where to start? Enterprising Women offer participants a free confidential, personalised 1 to 1 mentoring session with a qualified mentor. Our mentors have been there, and they know their way around the maze of ‘back to work or education or starting a business’.  This can help you decide which area is right for you. 

Who is it For

The project is open to women aged 23+ years and particularly, but not exclusively, for those who:

  • Left school early and want to get back into education.
  • Have been away from education and need support for that first step back in.
  • Are aiming for further or higher education programmes.
  • Have recently arrived in Ireland.
  • Are seeking employment but could do with some practical guidance.
  • Have innovative or original ideas for business or social enterprise development.
  • Require information about available entrepreneurial programmes.
  • Who feel self-employment is the right fit for them.

Programme Start Date

We are starting our Enterprising Women Workshops in January 2024.

Next Steps

Contact us directly or come to our Information mornings.
Reach out to us, we are open to expanding the local delivery of our Enterprising Women Workshops wherever you and your women’s group are located (numbers permitting).

Apply here to take part in the Enterprising Women Programme

It’s all about making things happen,
The first step is always the hardest!
We are here to support you!

Contact Us

Caroline & Riona

Call or Text: 0892000990
E-mail: enterprisingwomen@equalireland.ie

You can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions in our Information Leaflet

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