Are you a pre-start, startup, or early-stage business with a Tech focus looking for support to grow your idea?

Take a look at this brand new accelerator programme designed to support women entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with innovative, tech-focused business ideas. This programme will take you through the steps of supercharging your business with expert guidance, helping you evaluate and refine your start up idea.

While building essential commercial skills, you will also get to make valuable connections with Northern Ireland's thriving tech ecosystem. Make the most of this fully funded three month opportunity to accelerate your venture.

Tech Spark NI is powered by Barclays Eagle Labs, funded by the UK Government. Delivered by Women in Business in partnership with Raise Ventures.

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Who should apply?

Women with a tech focused business idea at the concept stage.

Women who have already been working on their tech focused business idea but are pre-revenue and need more support to develop their minimum viable product , work on their customer validation or raise investment.

Women business owners who have started trading but are at an early stage. This may include founders with an existing business who are developing a tech idea.

Women who are passionate about their tech business idea and who are ready to commit to a three month programme and to be part of a women founders cohort.

How you will benefit

Develop your Business Idea: Workshops cover everything from idea validation and product/service development to ensuring your concept is market-ready.

Gain Essential Business Skills: Key topics such as design thinking, marketing strategies, financial analysis, business processes, customer journey and value proposition.

Sales & Investment:  Investment readiness, pitching, and selling skills aim to enhance your business's financial success.

Boost Confidence & Presentation Skills: Develop effective communication and pitching skills through specialised training and the creation of a compelling pitch deck.

121 Mentor Support
Each participant will benefit from 2 x Mentoring sessions per month, over a 3 month period.
Eligibility Criteria
  • You must be a woman founder/ co-founder of a tech focused business at idea/pre-revenue stage or early-stage trading.
  • Early stage trading suggests that you are not likely to be making a full time salary from the business idea.
  • Additional eligibility criteria may be applied in order to help with selection if high numbers apply.
  • You must be a resident of Northern Ireland.
  • You must be able to commit to the full three month programme.

If you are unsure if the programme is suitable for you or if you have more questions, please contact vicky@womeninbusinessni.com to discuss.
Dates you need to know
  • Applications open on Monday 7th October 2024.
  • Applications close on Monday 4th November 2024.
  • Launch event in December 2024.
  • Business Learning Workshops will take place from January - March 2025.
    • 4 x Full day in person workshops | w/c 6th Jan, 3rd Feb, 10th Mar & 31st Mar.
    • 8 x Online evening sessions | w/c 13th Jan, 20th Jan, 27th Jan, 10th Feb, 24th Feb, 3rd Mar, 17th Mar & 24th Mar.
  • 121 Buddying Support will take place from January - March 2025.

Your programme facilitators:

Heather Carr

Heather Carr

Women in Business | Enterprise Programme Manager

Heather brings over 8 years of entrepreneurial expertise to our team, with a background in advertising and business development. Heather boasts a diverse skill set encompassing project management, content creation, and a range of other vital enterprise skills. Heather proudly wears the label of a serial entrepreneur, having successfully launched three businesses, including her current venture, "Kill It With Quizzes." She is an enthusiastic advocate for supporting women fulfil their business dreams, drawing inspiration from the rollercoaster of her own entrepreneurial journey! Heather's mission is clear: to empower women from all walks of life to create a better future for themselves by starting their own businesses.

Jenny Ervine

Jenny Ervine

Raise Ventures | CEO & Co-Founder

Jenny brings a wealth of direct experience to each and every one of our startups. As an active investor in multiple startups across multiple sectors, she has the added advantage of visibility across SaaS, hardware and digital media and is well embedded in the investor community and UK & Ireland ecosystem.

Got a question? Get in touch: vicky@womeninbusinessni.com