Applications are now open for the award winning THRIVE4women programme, hosted by Drogheda Digital Hub, which is designed to empower women to explore, test and develop their digital business ideas.
The free programme supports female entrepreneurs who are bringing new technology based products and services to market and want to launch or grow a business. It is delivered through a hybrid model of online and in person sessions by experienced professionals and industry experts, with one to one mentoring and follow up support included.
The seven week part time programme begins in February 2026 and is designed, delivered and supported by Dundalk Institute of Technology’s Regional Development Centre in partnership with Drogheda Digital Hub. The initiative is funded by Enterprise Ireland and provides both entrepreneurial and personal development support for women building tech focused businesses.
Programme Manager Lavina McGahon said THRIVE4women helps women start businesses by developing skills across three core pillars: capability, connections and confidence. She said these elements are essential in supporting women to step forward and take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities.
She added that participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, yet many past graduates are now successfully running their own businesses. In many cases, women have strong business or technical ideas but may lack confidence in their ability to move them forward. The programme provides practical guidance and support to help turn those ideas into viable ventures.
The programme is free of charge and applications are now being accepted for the next intake starting in February 2026. Sessions will take place one to two evenings per week, with in person elements hosted at the Drogheda Digital Hub.
Pauline Clarke from Kookee, a bake at home cookie mix business, was part of the 2023 THRIVE4women cohort. At the time, she was transitioning from a home based food business into manufacturing. She said the programme gave her the tools to kickstart the next stage of growth. Since then, she has established a food manufacturing site, launched a new range for the food services sector in 2025 and is now President of Network Louth.
Another former participant, Joan McCann, founder of The Code Lab, also highlighted the value of the programme. Her business delivers coding courses, workshops and camps for children aged seven to thirteen. Joan said THRIVE4women helped her look at her product and market from a new perspective and provided a strong support network. With encouragement from the programme, she expanded her services into schools and adapted her teaching from online learning to classroom delivery.
Places on the programme are limited and early application is advised.
Programme places are limited Apply here.
