![[INCOM LIBRARY] INCO_Entrepreneurs.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e37d76_24ac64d2b8924354947f6fb306e2db80~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_302,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/%5BINCOM%20LIBRARY%5D%20INCO_Entrepreneurs.png)
Time Commitment
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1.5 hours of online live session per week
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10 hours total for self-paced online learning
Eligibility
Women founders, co-founders, or CEOs of businesses based in Ireland (registered company or as a sole trader)
Criteria
Early-stage ventures with proven traction, such as a prototype, first customers, initial revenue, or a validated idea that is ready to launch, and a strong commitment to creating positive social and/or environmental impact alongside economic success
Location & Duration
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2 months
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Remote & accessible across the island of Ireland
Key Dates
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Applications close 21 September 2026, 23:59
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Cohort begins 6th October
Application Process
1
Application (approx. 6 mins)
Fill out a quick form to let us know you'd like to join, and we'll send you the program information and application form.
2
Selection
We’ll review written applications to ensure you meet our criteria
3
Acceptance
Eligible applicants will be offered a place on the program and provided with everything needed to get started.
Partnering for Impact:
INCO & Visa Foundation
INCO and Visa Foundation share a mission to empower and invest in small and micro businesses, in particular women-led small businesses. Investing in women helps create
a positive multiplier effect in their communities and the economies they operate in, and we are proud to support their growth.
FAQs
Thanks to our partners at Visa Foundation, this program is completely free! You can access all tracks, resources, and pitch for micro-grants.
We understand how busy entrepreneurs can be, so this program takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete over the 2 month period through a combination of self-paced learning and live sessions.
Many early stage businesses are still refining their business and impact model, therefore, we will consider all participants who have an intention to create positive social and environmental impact through the operation of their business, whether they have already started that journey or are still figuring out the details. That’s where we can help!
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Women founders, co-founders, CEOs
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Irish-registered businesses and sole traders
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Businesses under 5 years
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Less than €100k revenue
We welcome businesses from all sectors and industries, with particular interest in those who are digitally-enabled and have a social and environmental impact.
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Applications for cohort 2 are now open and will close at 23:59 on 21 September 2026.
Once you complete your application:
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You'll receive an immediate confirmation of application email with your program details
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If accepted, you will receive an email with access to our learning platform & our WhatsApp community, Catalyse Circles.
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You can begin exploring the platform and preparing for your October start date
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Your personalised dashboard will show your upcoming modules
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Finally we’ll send access to our community space where you can meet fellow participants and join
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Self-paced learning modules and templates
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Expert-led sessions
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Peer learning sessions
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Access to a founder community and INCO’s alumni network
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Opportunity to pitch for micro grants
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Yes, this cohort is open to businesses registered in Ireland, either as companies with the CRO or sole traders with a registered business name.
At the end of each cohort, we will host an online pitch competition where participants will submit a short video about their business to compete for microgrants of €5,000. The grant must be used operationally to support the business to grow and cannot be used towards staff wages. We will also be running a larger-scale enterprise competition with bigger grants that participants from any cohort can participate in at a later date.
Over the course of the program there will be $50k USD available in direct cash grants for women entrepreneurs in Ireland.
Yes, all sessions are delivered online, allowing for you to participate from anywhere in Ireland.
We hope to offer future CatalyseHer cohorts, although dates have not yet been confirmed. We’ll share any updates on future opportunities through our website and community channels.
Feel free to reach out to us at catalyseher@learning.inco-group.co. We’re happy to help!
Why CatalyseHer?
Self-paced learning
Our flexible learning system allows you to tap into modules, worksheets, templates, and action plans that translate directly into your business, at times that suit your schedule.
Live facilitated sessions
Join live training with early-stage business experts to discuss your strategy, workshop your challenges, and learn from founders who’ve been there. Each track provides specialised sessions to help you implement what you’ve learned.
Community building
Connect with ambitious women entrepreneurs; share experiences, celebrate wins, and tackle challenges together. Plus tap into INCO’s alumni network for ongoing support and opportunities.
Cash microgrants
Showcase your business in our online pitch competition for a chance to win cash microgrants of €5,000. We’ll also provide a pitch training session so you can learn to confidently communicate your business impact.
Meet our CatalyseHer Ireland pitch winners
"Winning the INCO x Visa competition was a defining milestone for S1 Health. It was incredibly rewarding to have what we're building recognised by an organisation with a global perspective and a genuine commitment to backing founders solving meaningful challenges.
The programme enabled us to build on our momentum at a pivotal stage in our journey. Through commercial insight, practical support and shared learning, we tested key assumptions, strengthened our commercialisation strategy and accelerated our progress."
Yasmine J Daher, PhD
S1 Health
S1 Health is a preventative healthcare platform using AI and biomarker data to support earlier, more accessible detection.
About
Do you want to grow your business in 2026?
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CatalyseHer, powered by INCO and supported by Visa Foundation, accelerates the growth of early-stage women-led businesses with a focus on social and environmental impact in Ireland, through expert guidance and cash microgrants to unlock new opportunities.
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Applications are now open for Cohort 2, starting in October 2026.
Your Learning Journey
Coming Soon
Level Up: Fundamentals
For early-stage founders with proven traction: a prototype, first customers, initial revenue, or a validated idea ready to launch.
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Shape a compelling business narrative
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Define your mission, vision & goals
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Identify your ideal customers & channels
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Optimise your costs and revenue streams
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Build and refine your Business Model Canvas
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Create an actionable plan for your next steps
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Get pitch-ready for a €5,000 microgrant
