Cumasú initiative supports female entrepreneurs in the Gaeltacht region

A new three-year programme aimed at assisting female entrepreneurs in the Gaeltacht regions has been launched, offering encouragement and opportunities to 150 women to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.

The programme, called Cumasú, is funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta and is being operated on the Empower model by Atlantic Technological University innovation hubs and the Munster Technological University Rubicon Centre, in collaboration with Údarás and the Gteic network of digital and innovation hubs.

Participants will have the chance to complete the course at a Gteic hub in their own area, providing them with the necessary tools and support to develop their business ideas.

Minister Dara Calleary praised the initiative, stating that it provides women in rural Gaeltacht areas with the opportunity to systematically develop their business ideas and receive essential support.

Applications are currently open to women in Gaeltacht areas of Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, and Meath, with the aim of fostering entrepreneurship and creating sustainable employment opportunities in these regions.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, chief executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship, with Cumasú being the first step towards empowering female entrepreneurs in the Gaeltacht regions.

The programme has already seen success, with ATU president Orla Flynn highlighting the positive outcomes of a pilot programme conducted last year. The partnership with MTU’s Rubicon Centre further strengthens the support for female entrepreneurship in all Gaeltacht regions of Ireland.