The women’s branch of the initiative, Women in Business, has launched ‘Tech Spark NI,’ a new start-up program to support up to 20 women in Northern Ireland with early-stage, innovative tech business ideas. The 12-week program will be developed in partnership with Raise Ventures and powered by Barclays Eagle Labs. It is funded by the UK Government’s Digital Growth Grant to assist the participants in critically evaluating their ideas while enhancing professional and commercial skills for growth in business.

The program is designed to arm participants with precious guidance and insight on how to set up a solid local network within the Northern Ireland business ecosystem. They will be coming out at the end of the program, so much better prepared to take charge of their own initiatives.

Lorraine Acheson, Managing Director for Women in Business: “This is an incredible initiative that will provide women across NI with additional all-round support as we work to foster their ambitions and talent, equipping them with the tools they need to really make progress. Partnering with Raise Ventures and Barclays Eagle Labs allows us to have a profound impact for these women and boost the local economy.”

Raise Ventures is considered one of the leading startup destinations in Northern Ireland, supporting founders with scalable, high-growth ideas. Jenny Ervine from Raise Ventures said, “The jump from idea to a commercially scalable business is daunting. So many of the founders, particularly women, have the innovation and ambition to be successful but need a bit more knowledge in the technology space. I’m proud that Raise Ventures can support this program to enhance women’s founder skills and knowledge.”

The program will go forward in partnership with the British business hubs network, Barclays Eagle Labs. Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, said, “We are happy to back the growth of the UK tech sector with support for start-ups and entrepreneurs through the Digital Growth Grant. This new scheme demonstrates our work towards developing the tech sector. It is an important sector for regional economies across the UK to continue to grow.”

Tech Spark NI empowers women entrepreneurs. In their belief that “open data and technology must complement one another to drive positive impact,” it equips women entrepreneurs with tools and networks necessary for success in the world of tech.