US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III launches female entrepreneurship programme with Ulster University - applications now open

The e entrepreneurship programme with Ulster University Connect to Success builds global bridges and empowers women entrepreneurs via access to mentorship from some of the world’s top multinational corporations.

At a special event in Belfast Joe Kennedy III, US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, announced that applications are now open for Connect to Success (C2S) a programme powered and implemented by Ulster University.

This initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs, bolster the regional economy, and advance gender equality in Northern Ireland.

C2S sets itself apart from other women’s entrepreneurial programmes in Northern Ireland by offering selected WOBs unparalleled access to global corporations and their international networks, a comprehensive team-based mentoring approach, and a targeted focus on women-owned businesses (WOBs) in the scale-up phase.

C2S pairs 10-15 WOBS with teams of executives from some of the world’s top multinational corporations.

These mentoring teams will provide expert guidance to help shape and implement the long-term business and leadership strategies of the participating WOBs.

The year-long mentoring program is scheduled to commence in January 2025.

C2S's mentoring champions include industry giants such as Aflac, AIG, Coca-Cola, Goldman Sachs, Google, Irish Life Group, Kainos, KPMG, PwC, Seagate, and Stripe, Inc. Additional supporters of the C2S initiative include AwakenAngels, Catalyst, Cliste Hospitality, Endeavor Ireland, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Ormeau Labs, and Ulster Bank.

Joe Kennedy III, said: “Empowering women in business isn't just a local effort; it's a global game-changer.

"Whether it’s in Belfast or in Boston, we need more women-led enterprises and more female investors.

"By championing women entrepreneurs, Connect To Success, Ulster University, and their partner companies are igniting economic growth, driving social progress, and paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Northern Ireland.”

Kim Sawyer, Executive Director of Connect to Success, said: “This initiative goes beyond business growth; it's about empowering women, fostering cross-community collaboration, and breaking down barriers that have traditionally limited women’s access to capital, markets, and networking.

"By connecting women entrepreneurs with mentors from some of the world's most successful companies, we aim to equip them with the skills, connections, and confidence needed to elevate their businesses and pay forward the opportunities they've received.

“Moreover, the program offers C2S mentors from global corporations a unique perspective on the entrepreneurial mindset of SMEs, enriching their understanding of agility, innovation, and risk-taking. This experience not only sharpens their leadership abilities but also sparks creative thinking and opens doors to new partnerships and ventures.”

Ulster University Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said: “Connect to Success will play a key role in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, in a specific area critical to both economic growth and gender equality - supporting female entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses.

"At Ulster University, we are active and vocal champions of the development of female entrepreneurship and are deeply committed to helping women build and scale successful businesses. In partnership with Connect to Success, we can create a future where women-owned businesses are at the forefront of innovation, corporate success and regional economic prosperity.

“Highly rewarding and life changing experience”

New to Northern Ireland, C2SNI follows C2SPortugal, which supported over 1,100 women-owned businesses via 128 corporate mentoring teams from leading global companies, with mentoring from companies including L’Oréal, McDonalds, Microsoft and Nestlé.

Ana Margarida Matos, Corporate Mentee, C2S Portugal, said: “For any woman who owns a business, Connect to Success combines the best of both worlds: flexibility and opportunity to run my own business with the resources and community usually found in large companies.

"Being a part of Connect to Success programmes, has allowed me, and my business, to grow and build a network of female entrepreneurs who want to fulfill their dreams of owning their own business.”

Esther Liska, Corporate Mentee, C2S Portugal, added: “The Connect to Success Mentoring Programme has made all the difference into my business. I've learned from the vast experience of my mentor who has helped me to stay focused and think strategically. Highly rewarding and life changing experience.”

How to Apply

Applications opened Wednesday 2 October and close Monday 21 October, with selected WOBs to be publicly announced in November 2024. More details and applicant requirements.