The morning will feature a fireside chat with Kara Owen, British Ambassador to Ireland, who will share perspectives from her international diplomatic career. The discussion will explore how founders can think globally from an early stage and navigate international markets with confidence.

The event will also spotlight emerging female founders from Enerprise Ireland’s accelerator NextWave which is delivered by the Irish BICs.

• Ruth Dooley, CTO & Co-Founder, GeoXen
• Jenni Dowley, Founder, Building Bones
• Elaine Fitzgerald McBarron, Co-Founder, See Her Elected

Each founder will have the opportunity to pitch their startup to the audience. They will also share insights from their entrepreneurial journey and the opportunities they see for scaling impact and growth during a panel conversation.

This event is designed for founders, entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem stakeholders who are interested in international ambition, collaboration and innovation.

Join us in Waterford for a morning of insight, connection and inspiration.https://BritishAmbassadorEventWithPropelor.eventbrite.com

The post Ambassador Kara Owen to headline Women in Business Forum. first appeared on Propelor BIC.

Who it’s for

NextWave is open to high-potential women founders aiming for pre-seed to seed investment who are ready for an intensive, challenging experience. Ideal participants:

• Have a clear value proposition solving a significant problem
• Possess an MVP and early market validation
• Show export potential and plans to scale internationally
• Are ideally <3 years incorporated

What the programme provides

• Immersive Surge Sessions: High-intensity, in-person gatherings to fast-track clarity, alignment, and momentum.
• Ebb & Flow Tracks: Flexible, accessible pathways blending on-demand content, self-directed learning, and live webinars—structure without rigidity.
• Integration Spaces: Intentional intervals to consolidate insights and apply learning between high-impact days.
• Mentorship Pathways:
  • Wave Maker Mentorship—sector-specific founder-mentors offering practical insight and navigation.
  • Anchor Mentorship—local BIC consultants providing high-trust guidance, balancing challenge with support.

What founders can achieve

• Clarity of vision and a compelling founder narrative
• Product and market validation with early traction
• Stronger investor readiness and structured momentum
• Access to tailored mentorship and investor networks
• Lasting connections through a trusted peer community

Key dates (2025)

• Applications close: 7 October, 23:59
• Application review: 8–10 October
• Shortlist interviews (online): 13–16 October
• Cohort onboarding & pre-work: 20 October – 4 November
• Programme starts: 12 November
• Duration: 10 weeks (with a Christmas hiatus)

Your venture. Your voice. Your momentum. The wave starts here.
👉 For more information and to apply now: https://shorturl.at/zJgLC

NextWave is delivered nationally by the Irish BICs in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland.

The post Irish BICs launch NextWave: a national accelerator for women founders delivered on behalf of Enterprise Ireland first appeared on Propelor BIC.