The Mums At Work Network is proud to announce the launch of Elevate to Great, a new in-depth business training programme designed to support early-stage female entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland.
This empowering initiative has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. The investment will enable the delivery of three six-week training programmes over two years, supporting 60 female-led enterprises across Belfast, Derry and the Mid Ulster area, and reinforcing a shared commitment to championing female entrepreneurship across Northern Ireland.
Building confidence. Strengthening businesses. Creating community.
Elevate to Great has been developed in direct response to feedback from the network’s members who identified a need for accessible, practical support in managing the realities of running a business.
The programme will focus on six core areas critical to business sustainability and growth, including:
- Financial literacy (bookkeeping, tax compliance, Making Tax Digital)
- Branding and social media
- Email marketing and website essentials
- AI tools to streamline operations
- Business strategy and planning
- Confidence and mindset for growth
Participants must commit to attending all six sessions, ensuring a dedicated and supportive cohort experience.
Each six-week cohort will be delivered in person, beginning in Belfast before expanding to Derry/Londonderry and Mid Ulster. Sessions will run on Thursday mornings, creating space for focused learning in a supportive, peer-led environment.
Danielle Norton, Director of The Mums At Work Network, said:
“We haven’t delivered training as in-depth as this before for our members. We have offered bite-sized sessions at our Coffee and Connect events, online meetings and conferences, and members have consistently asked for more. We are incredibly excited to bring this programme to life.”
Maria McLaughlin, Director of The Mums At Work Network, said:
“Elevate to Great is about more than business skills – it’s about giving women the confidence to back themselves. When women are equipped with the right knowledge, practical tools and a strong support network, the ripple effect is powerful.”
Stefany Watson, Director of The Mums At Work Network said:
“This programme has been shaped directly by the voices of our community. Elevate to Great reflects what female founders have told us they need most: practical, accessible training delivered in a supportive environment.”
The programme builds on the Network’s established track record of delivering weekly online networking meetings, monthly in-person coffee mornings and biannual conferences. However, Elevate to Great marks the first time the organisation will deliver a structured, in-depth training series of this scale.
Who should register interest?
Female founders and business owners in Northern Ireland who:
- Have been trading for under three years
- Want to strengthen their financial confidence
- Feel unsure about AI, digital tools or marketing strategy
- Are ready to commit to structured learning and growth
- Value community and peer support
This initiative reflects the ethos of The Mums At Work Network: to empower, connect and uplift female entrepreneurs across the province.
To register your interest in Elevate to Great click here
