Women in Gaeltacht areas encouraged to enter Cumasú TÚS programmes

December 2024 marks the end of the first EMPOWER Cumasú TÚS programmes. EMPOWER Cumasú is a free entrepreneurship programme for females living in the Gaeltacht areas of Mayo, Galway, Donegal, Kerry, Cork, Meath and Waterford. The programme is funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta and delivered by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Innovation Hubs and the Rubicon Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU).

The programme was officially launched in An Spidéal in May 2024. Speaking at the launch earlier this year, Dara Calleary, TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation said: “This programme provides women in rural Gaeltacht areas with an opportunity to systematically develop their business ideas and to receive supports from the ATU, MTU, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the gteic network to finalise their plans.”

The EMPOWER Cumasú programme, is designed to promote and fast-track women in business, and has garnered significant interest, attracting 110 applications from across seven Gaeltacht counties in Ireland. Three programmes commenced in September 2024 with 38 female entrepreneurs enrolled. With a focus on empowering women to grow and scale their ventures, the initiative offers tailored support, mentorship, and resources to help participants navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. By fostering a dynamic network of aspiring female business leaders, the programme aims to break down barriers and create more opportunities for women to succeed in the competitive entrepreneurial landscape.

There are two elements to the programme:

· EMPOWER TÚS (START) - women with an early-stage idea (less than 18 months) looking to test their business idea and start their business.

· EMPOWER FÁS (GROWTH) - Women with an established business (18 months +) looking to scale and grow.

Awards were also won by two of the participants on the programme at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2024 in Dingle last October. Joyce Country Bakery, from Galway won gold for their teabrack and Kombucha na Dalaigh, from Donegal won silver for their Bealtaine - Elderflower and Gooseberry Kombucha.

At the end of the EMPOWER TÚS programme in December, a pitch competition took place at ATU Mayo campus and the Rubicon Centre, Cork. This competition marks an exciting culmination of the programmes, where the participants have to hone their business ideas through a comprehensive market research assignment. Armed with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the market opportunity, the participants have an opportunity to present their refined business concepts to a panel of judges, showcasing their innovation, strategy, and potential for growth. The winners on the day were Laura Ui Fhathaigh (https://www.daramats.com/), Aelis Harris (https://coislaoiwillow.com/), Barbara Ginty (https://youresomeflowerevents.ie/) and Margaret Mc Manamon (Cácaí Acla).

Michelle Lee (EMPOWER Programme Coordinator) says: “If you're female in the Gaeltacht area, register your interest today for our next programme in early 2025, and take the first step towards transforming your idea into a business. Often Christmas is a time when people re-evaluate their careers and what they want to do going forward. Women often find the flexibility of self-employment allows them more freedom in balancing their work and personal lives.”

The EMPOWER Programme has been up and running since 2017 transforming lots of wonderful businesses in the region. Check out www.empowerprogramme.ie to look at some of our case studies. Anyone who feels they have an idea, and would like to test it, or if you have a business you want to scale and grow can contact me at michelle.lee@atu.ie to find out more about our programmes. Marie Sweeney Khalifa (www.mskcoaching.com) says: “I began this course in September 2024 and in 12 weeks, I feel like I have grown so much in my business. The mentoring allowed me to gain such clarity, and the workshops consolidated this by providing the tools required to put things into action. I cannot recommend this course enough.”

Dani Onishi (www.therewildlife.com) says: “The Cumasú Program introduced me to essential foundational steps to expand my business. Participating in the program and receiving the mentoring sessions provided gave me the confidence, information and inspiration I needed to take the next step in my entrepreneurial journey.”

For more see https://empowerprogramme.ie/