Applications Open for WeScale Cohort 3
Join Ireland's Growing Community of Ambitious Women Founders
June 16th 2026
Applications are now open for WeScale Cohort 3, a transformational scaling programme designed specifically for women founders who are serious about growing their businesses, strengthening their leadership capabilities, and preparing for investment.
The WeScale all-island programme, led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland. The delivery partner for WeScale is AwakenHub.
WeScale combines world-class learning with practical business application, expert mentoring, and direct access to investor and corporate networks.
Since launching, WeScale has already supported 35 women founders from 33 companies, building a vibrant all-island community of ambitious business leaders. Together with the 16 alumni of the SheScales pilot programme, participants become part of a powerful peer network of women founders who understand the challenges and opportunities of scaling a business.
Why WeScale?
Scaling a business requires more than ambition. It demands strategic thinking, operational excellence, strong leadership, access to networks, and investment readiness.
WeScale has been designed to help women founders:
Build sustainable growth strategies
Strengthen operational and financial foundations
Develop market expansion and internationalisation plans
Harness innovation, technology and AI opportunities
Improve investor readiness and access to capital
Build confidence in communicating their vision and growth potential
Connect with a trusted community of fellow founders, mentors and investors
With only 18 places available, each cohort is intentionally small, creating a focused, high-trust environment where founders can challenge themselves, learn from peers, and accelerate growth.
What Participants Can Expect
Beginning in October 2026 and running through to May 2027, WeScale combines residential learning experiences, online masterclasses, mentoring support, and practical implementation sessions.
Key programme themes include:
Scaling Foundations
Participants explore sustainable growth strategies, market expansion opportunities, and the key foundations required for long-term business success.
Scaling Strategy
Founders develop operational excellence, leadership capability, sustainability strategies, and execution frameworks to support continued growth.
Scaling Impact
The programme concludes with advanced modules focused on innovation, technology adoption, accessing capital, export readiness and investor engagement.
Additional opportunities include:
Four hours of one-to-one mentoring support
Mentor matchmaking opportunities
AI awareness and application workshops
Investor outreach and investment readiness sessions
Export readiness support
Interactive pitch training delivered in Belfast and Dublin
Key Programme Dates
Information Session: Monday 22 June 2026, 10:00am Online Zoom
Programme Onboarding: Tuesday 13 October 2026, Dublin
Residential Derry, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November 2026
Residential Newry Friday 15th and 16th January 2027
Residential Galway Friday 6th and Saturday 7th March 2027
Graduation Ceremony: Thursday 22 April 2027, Derry/Londonderry
Programme Completion: Tuesday 11 May 2027 Online Zoom
Please visit WeScale for full programme outline, mandatory dates, and additional programme of services details. Only those applicant who can attend and fully engage in all madantory elements will be considered eligible to apply.
More Than a Programme – A Community
One of the most valuable aspects of WeScale is the community that founders join.
Participants become part of a growing network of women entrepreneurs from across the island of Ireland who are committed to supporting one another through the realities of scaling a business. The relationships developed through the programme often continue long after graduation, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support.
As previous participants have demonstrated, scaling can feel less daunting when you have trusted peers walking the journey alongside you.
Who Should Apply?
WeScale is designed for women founders leading established businesses with clear growth ambitions.
Whether you are preparing to enter new markets, scale operations, grow your team, or position your business for investment, WeScale provides the structure, expertise and network to help you take the next step.
Join Our Information Session
Interested in learning more?
Join our online information session on Monday 22 June 2026 at 10:00am to hear more about the programme, eligibility criteria, and the experiences of previous participants.
WeScale: Information session 22 June 2026 | InterTradeIreland
Applications Are Now Open
For full programme details, eligibility criteria and application information, visit:
https://intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship/wescale
Applications are limited to 18 places, and we encourage interested founders to apply early.
Read more
WeScale Fireside Chat Key Takeaways with Áine Kerr read more
Meet the Founders of WeScale Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 here
WeScale launches Autumn 2025 read more
