THE final call has been issued for women entrepreneurs to ‘back themselves’ and apply to Visa’s She’s Next programme.

With the April 9th deadline looming women in business are urged to enter for a chance to win one of five grants, together with mentorship and resources to help their business thrive.

The five small Irish businesses chosen will share €90,000 in funding along with expert coaching from some of Ireland’s most respected businesswomen including Aimee Connolly (founder and ceo of Sculpted by Aimee), Breege O’Donoghue (former board member of Primark), and Gráinne Mullins, founder of Grá Chocolates.

Despite operating in different sectors and encountering different challenges, all three agreed on three defining factors for success: recognise your capabilities and back yourself; seek mentorship early, not when you’re struggling; pursue your goal with vision and don’t wait for everything to be ‘perfect’.

Four women entrepreneurs will each receive €10,000; one overall winner will receive €50,000.

All winners will receive mentoring from three of Ireland’s leading businesswomen: Aimee Connolly, Breege O’Donoghue and Gráinne Mullins.

They will also access individual and group pitch preparation sessions, as well as access to ongoing supports available through Visa’s She’s Next alumni network .

Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme is open to small businesses and organisations that are majority owned by women.

Submission on visa.ie/shesnext.

To date, Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme has awarded €215,000 in funding and coaching to 20 women entrepreneurs in Ireland to help them take their next business step.