SheScales

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Across Ireland and Northern Ireland

Meet SheScales founders

Transforming Women Entrepreneurship Across Ireland

SheScales is a ground breaking initiative designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to scale their businesses globally. As a critical pilot programme supported by InterTradeIreland and the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, SheScales fosters all island collaboration and empowers women to thrive in business. Delivered by AwakenHub in partnership with the renowned Cranfield University, SheScales bridges leadership, strategy, and growth, ensuring participants are equipped to succeed on the global stage.

Sofie Rooney, COO & CoFounder Chimac

‘I feel like we were at a pivotal point in our business where the opportunity we had to scale. We just moved into a new facility. We were looking for strategic direction for the company, and it was the perfect time to get a little bit more structure by what we wanted to do. The moment for me on the She Scales journey, when I realised that we could actually make it, was hearing the stories of other female entrepreneurs get investment and bring their businesses to a global community. When I started the SheScales journey, I was struggling with our strategy and our structure where we wanted to bring the business. There were so many opportunities, we weren't sure where to go, and now we've got a very clear, concise strategy. We know where we're going. We know what we need to do to achieve the goals that we want to achieve.’

A Critical Initiative for Women Entrepreneurs

Aimed at women-led businesses who are ready to scale globally and interested in expanding into new markets and growing their business internationally. As part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, SheScales is one of eight pilot programmes aimed at fostering women entrepreneurship across Ireland and Northern Ireland. By delivering tailored support, from Cranfield University's scaling strategies to mentorship by women leaders embedded in the AwakenHub community, SheScales is creating lasting impact across the island of Ireland. Learn more about our partnership with InterTradeIreland:

Visit Intertrade Ireland Women Entrepreneurship Pilots

World-Class Delivery Team

  • Headshot of Denise McQuaid Co Founder

    Denise McQuaid

    AwakenHub & AwakenAngels

    Denise brings extensive experience from Europe, Asia, and the US, in scaling growth through venture capital, micro funds, and angel investments.

    LinkedIn Page

  • Martin Spiller

    Cranfield University

    Martin brings extensive expertise in business strategy and entrepreneurship, offering practical frameworks for growth.

    LinkedIn Page

  • Professor Stephanie Hussels

    Cranfield University

    A global leader in entrepreneurial resilience and innovation, Stephanie provides actionable insights to help participants thrive in competitive markets.

    LinkedIn Page

SheScales is Making An Impact

Learn more about the experience of women business leaders from across the island

Sarah-Marie Rust, Founder & CEO, EVE Mobility a cloud-based platform helping fleet operators transition to electric vehicles in medium and heavy-duty logistics fleets. As EVE's tech quickly gained traction, and as a founder relatively new to Ireland, Sarah-Marie was struggling to connect with the Irish start-up ecosystem. Read how AwakenHub's SheScales programme shifted that sense of isolation for Sarah-Marie by offering "vital support, strategy, shared wisdom, and genuine collaboration."

Dr. Sian Farrell, CEO & Cofounder, StimOxyGen “Leading from a place of purpose not pressure” From being a scientist struggling with owning her CEO role to becoming a confident leader who is successfully scaling her biotech startup, Dr. Sian Farrell, Founder and CEO of StimOxyGen Ltd, tells of how she has transformed her leadership approach and her business with the help of AwakenHub’s SheScales programme.

SheScales: Empowering Women-Led Businesses to Scale Globally

SheScales1.0 is now complete, and supported 16 women founders in scaling their businesses internationally. SheScales is facilitated by an exceptional team of experts, providing unparalleled insights and mentorship.

Programme Highlights:

  • Workshops & Masterclasses: Participants are engaging in hands-on sessions designed to equip them with the tools and strategies needed for global expansion.

  • Global Growth Opportunities: Exclusive access to initiatives, including a US Trade Mission in 2025, is part of the journey.

  • Market Entry Support: Ongoing guidance and support for entering new markets.

  • Thought Leadership & Expert Insights: Regular sessions with industry leaders provide invaluable insights and strategies.

  • Investor Readiness Training: Comprehensive training to help participants prepare their businesses for international investment opportunities.

  • Stay tuned for updates and insights from SheScales as the programme progresses, and support the growth and success of these innovative women-led businesses!

SheScales, the logical next step for women founders looking to scale your business. Fill in Expression of Interest Form and we will update you when the programme opens for applications.

What Participants Gain from SheScales

  • "Leading from a place of purpose not pressure"

    Dr Sian Farrell CEO & Cofounder of StimOxyGen

  • "Thanks to SheScales, I'm 100% clear on the strategic direction of the company."

    Julie Connelly CEO and Cofounder of Ai Mapit

  • "I take bolder steps, but they're more grounded. I've grown into my role as a founder and a leader."

    Michelle Connolly CEO & Founder Educational Voice

  • "I've now been pushed out of my comfort zone, but because of that I've found a space of greater clarity, confidence and visibility."

    Gina Oglesby CEO & Founder Back To Work Connect

  • ""I knew I was being seen and supported as a high-growth founder and not just a woman in business. That distinction is important." "

    Sarah-Marie Rust, Founder & CEO, EVE Mobility

  • Unrivalled networking opportunities with Global Leaders

  • Peer-to-peer support and accountability

  • Access opportunities for global growth, including a US Trade Mission in 2025

  • Long term growth roadmap, ongoing support and engagement via a community platform

SheScales is supported by:

A big thank you to our funding partners for their support of SheScales1.0.

In February 2024, the Irish Government announced €30m of funding towards the establishment of a new Shared Island Enterprise Scheme developed by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

The funding for this scheme will support the delivery of new programmes and supports for businesses across the island of Ireland, including in the areas of Women’s Entrepreneurship, Clustering, and Green Enterprise - the Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant Scheme.

The Shared Island Enterprise Scheme marks a new phase in all-island economic collaboration and business growth, and the first time that three of the main economic development agencies have worked together on a shared scheme of this size.

A big thank you to our partners who continue to help us deliver all island impact through the AwakenHub community and beyond