What is the TrailblazHER^TM First Steps Programme?

The First Steps Programme is a free community-based initiative delivered by TrailblazHER^TM at TU Dublin that will launch in January 2025 and aims to provide a space for women who may not have any previous experience or knowledge of starting a business but are curious to explore opportunities or potentially may have an idea but don't know what the steps are to turn that idea into a business. A key objective of the programme is to signpost and connect participants with the broad range of supports available to them.

What are the steps?
The programme comprises two steps:

Step 1 – In-person information sessions are open to everyone.

Date: From 27th January – 30th January 2025
Location: Four locations across Dublin – Fingal, Dún Laoghaire, South Dublin, and Dublin City.

• Monday 27th January 2025, 2pm to 5pm – Riasc Centre Swords, K67 PX85
• Tuesday 28th January 2025, 2pm to 5pm, Samuel Beckett Community Centre, Carrickmines, D18HT72
• Wednesday 29th January 2025, 2pm to 5pm, Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 KV8N
• Thursday 30th January 2025, 10am to 1pm, Central Library, Ilac Centre, City Centre, D01 E9V3

Duration: 3 hours.
Content: An introduction to entrepreneurship, the Irish business community and an overview of the Step 2 programme so attendees can decide whether Step 2 is for them.
Participants: Max 40.
Award: Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion.

Step 2 – A more in-depth programme consisting of six half-day workshops open to 20 applicants.

Dates: 10th February onwards for 3 weeks
Location: TU Dublin's Aungier Street Campus
Duration: 2 workshops per week – each workshop is 3 hours.
Content: The workshops walk participants through each stage of business development including idea generation, testing and validation, planning and living as an entrepreneur. Throughout the programme participants will have access to mentors, relatable role models, co-working spaces and the support of the TU Dublin Enterprise team.
Participants: Max 20.

Award: Participants will receive a TU Dublin Digital Badge and certificate of completion.