A female entrepreneurship programme developed at University of Galway’s IdeasLab is to expand nationwide at five other higher education institutions following a special funding award from the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The CreateHER programme, which is designed to empower female undergraduate students to become entrepreneurs, has been granted €420,400 by the HEA under its call for proposals for Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives.

The funding will see CreateHER expand its impact and opportunities for female entrepreneurship in Ireland by partnering with the University of Limerick, Technological University Dublin, Southeast Technological University, Munster Technological University, and Atlantic Technological University.

Pre-incubator and innovation programmes

CreateHER addresses the critical underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurship. More than 50 women have completed the programme at University of Galway, with many progressing a business idea to pre-incubator and innovation programmes.

The programme’s national rollout is planned for the 2025-26 academic year.

Professor Becky Whay, interim deputy president and registrar University of Galway, said: “At University of Galway, we are dedicated to investing in our students, not only by enhancing the skills and scholarship necessary for growth in our region but also ensuring that our students are well-equipped to lead the charge in driving transformative change on a national scale.

"The CreateHER programme exemplifies our commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that champions equality, diversity, and inclusion and its expansion marks a significant step in fostering a new generation of women entrepreneurs.” 

Dr Natalie Walsh, director of entrepreneurial development at University of Galway, said: "The CreateHER programme has been a transformative initiative for female entrepreneurship at University of Galway.

"With this national rollout, we are excited to extend its impact, empowering young women across Ireland to lead the way in innovation and business. This collaboration with our partner institutions is a testament to the power of our shared vision across the higher education sector to drive meaningful change for future entrepreneurs and innovators."

The programme is a dynamic six-week course dedicated to nurturing creativity, confidence, innovation, and personal branding. Throughout the year, a series of local and national events will provide opportunities for participants to showcase their entrepreneurial journeys and connect with an expansive network of mentors, with participants from all partner institutions coming together to foster collaboration and peer learning.

'Career Close-Ups'

One of the most significant features of CreateHER is the development of 'Career Close-Ups' – an immersive experience that takes participants behind the scenes of leading companies in various sectors including medtech, IT, finance, and PR.

During these shadowing experiences, participants connect with people from CEOs to recent graduates, getting a glimpse into the daily rhythm of corporate life.

By experiencing different roles first hand and building meaningful connections across all levels of the organisation, participants gain invaluable insights that help shape their future career paths. For some, these connections may lead to placements or internships, or open their eyes to future career paths they had not previously considered.

This real-world exposure gives CreateHER participants an advantage as they prepare to launch their careers as entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs, armed with both practical knowledge and a strong professional network. In 2024 career close up partners included Diligent, Liberty IT, Aerogen, Galway Chamber, Yourells, Éire Composites and SAP.

For more information about CreateHER and its upcoming national rollout, please visit www.universityofgalway.ie/ideaslab.